Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. The hair serves as a chronicle for alcohol and drug use due to the incorporation of biomarkers in the hair fibers as they grow. By sampling hair near the scalp, it can reveal drug or alcohol use over a period of approximately three months. Collecting hair is uncomplicated, hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
An optimal hair sample for testing involves a 1.5-inch portion consisting of around 200 hairs (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest the scalp, which equals about 100mg. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, and those above 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is suggested to utilize a jeweler's scale to measure the specimen. If head hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. Reference to head hair is specific to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for the lab processing of a drug test outcome consists of four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step of integrating a sample into a lab's database. This phase ensures proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial check for substance abuse. Although Screening is economical for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result in this phase requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are provisionally positive in Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample shows provisional positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. This stage involves isolating drugs from hair at a concentration lower than that in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most intricate methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive results from the Screening phase is executed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory progression from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized both under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the assessment is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle itself beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine testing in Croghan, NY, the advantages are clear. Hair tests boast superior detection accuracy up to 90 days, overshadowing traditional urine tests by offering reliability and a more comprehensive substance use history.
For employers in Croghan, NY, hair follicle tests extend the detection window, capturing drug use up to 90 days. This gives a more detailed view of an individual's substance history, aiding informed decision-making.
Hair follicle tests are a tamper-resistant method widely used in Croghan, NY. This testing significantly reduces the risk of adulteration, ensuring that the results are both reliable and unquestionable.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient locations nationwide, including in Croghan, NY. With numerous centers across cities, accessing our testing services is a quick, easy, and hassle-free experience.
The process in Croghan, NY, is simple and confidential. From order to results, each step ensures privacy and ease for all clients, addressing any concerns about the process.
In Croghan, NY, we offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. This combination provides great value for companies of all sizes, reinforcing their peace of mind.
In Croghan, NY, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision of these tests ensures high accuracy in identifying substance use, setting it apart from other testing methods.
In Croghan, NY, embracing hair follicle testing can help employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This not only reduces legal liabilities but also enhances overall workplace safety and peace of mind.
