Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means of detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair, hair offers a long-term record of alcohol and drug use. A sample collected close to the scalp provides an approximate 3-month detection window for substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to adulterate, and simple to ship.
A hair sample of about 1.5 inches and 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a minimum of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. 'Head hair' denotes scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses all other types, like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for drug test results involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial sample processing into a lab's system, ensuring proper sample sealing and shipping, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling additional data entry requirements beyond the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a rapid initial check for drugs of abuse. While this is a cost-effective approach to rule out drug usage in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for court admissibility. Samples presumed positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is retrieved from the original specimen for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex methodology.
Positive screening confirmations are conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes a review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While called "hair follicle tests", the actual examination is of the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cutchogue, NY
Hair follicle tests present a marked advantage over urine tests due to their extended detection period, typically capturing substance use up to 90 days prior. This feature provides a more thorough assessment compared to urine tests, which are limited to recent drug use. As a steadfast method, hair tests enhance the reliability and trustworthiness of drug assessments, making them superior to traditional urine testing solutions.
Extended Detection Window in Cutchogue, NY
The substantial detection window of hair follicle testing, spanning up to 90 days, grants employers a keen insight into an individual's long-term substance use history. This extended range of detection is invaluable when evaluating candidates or monitoring employees, offering a more comprehensive view than standard testing methods. It allows for a broader timeline for identifying habitual substance users.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cutchogue, NY
Hair follicle testing presents an inherently tamper-resistant method of drug testing, drastically reducing the possibility of sample adulteration. The nature of the sample collection process makes manipulation challenging, ensuring that results are both reliable and indisputable. These tests provide the confidence that the results reflect accurate substance use history without interference.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Cutchogue, NY
Our extensive network of nationwide testing locations, alongside local facilities in Cutchogue, ensures that acquiring hair drug testing services is both quick and stress-free. This accessibility underscores our commitment to providing convenient testing solutions, making it easy for individuals and businesses to achieve their testing needs without unnecessary delays or complications.
Simple, Confidential Process in Cutchogue, NY
Our hair follicle testing process is designed to be both straightforward and confidential, addressing any privacy concerns head-on. From ordering the test to receiving the results, each step is crafted to offer ease and discreteness, ensuring that clients can rely on a smooth and private experience that respects their personal and professional needs.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cutchogue, NY
Our competitive pricing structure alongside our quick result delivery offers excellent value to businesses of varying sizes. The fast turnaround time reassures companies of their ability to make timely and informed decisions while adhering to budget constraints, fostering a financially viable approach to maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Fast and Reliable Results in Cutchogue, NY
Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled accuracy and swift turnarounds crucial for assessing substance use. The precision inherent in hair testing makes it an excellent choice for those seeking to ensure comprehensive and honest results. The speed at which results are available is instrumental in promoting prompt decision-making processes for employers or legal entities reliant on trustworthy data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cutchogue, NY
Implementing hair follicle testing supports employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies, significantly diminishing legal risks. This method not only enhances workplace safety but also brings peace of mind to employers by guaranteeing they are adhering to stringent regulatory standards and ensuring a healthier working environment.
