Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the strand's growing fibers. If collected close to the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use for up to roughly three months. Hair is easy to gather, less prone to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample of about 1.5 inches from the scalp, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (the size of a #2 pencil), provides 100mg, which is ideal for initial and confirmatory analysis. For EtG, additional requirements, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for measurement is recommended. If scalp hair is lacking, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair; "body hair" encompasses other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The primary steps in lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step in incorporating a sample into a lab’s system. It involves confirming the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry missing from electronic chain of custody systems.
Screening entails an initial assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical way to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be valid in court. Samples that are tentatively positive during Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample shows tentative positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are removed from hair at a lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing the most challenging method.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All tentatively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair testing criteria and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in De Witt, NY, significantly surpasses traditional urine testing through enhanced detection accuracy and reliability.
Longer Detection Period: Unlike urine tests, hair tests can detect drug use up to 90 days prior, offering a broader insight.
The reliability of hair testing ensures that results are more difficult to alter, providing peace of mind to employers enforcing drug-free policies.
With an extended detection window, hair follicle testing in De Witt, NY, offers a deep dive into an individual's substance use history over three months.
Comprehensive Insight: Employers benefit from a wider scope of analysis, gaining a better understanding of an employee's drug use behavior.
This extensive detection period helps in evaluating the long-term commitment of employees or applicants to a drug-free lifestyle.
Hair follicle tests in De Witt, NY, offer a tamper-resistant approach, effectively reducing the risk of sample adulteration.
Integrity of Results: These tests ensure the authenticity of samples, safeguarding the testing process against manipulation.
With difficult-to-bypass methods, hair testing provides confidence to agencies and employers regarding the trustworthiness of results.
Convenience is key with numerous nationwide testing locations, including De Witt, NY, ensuring easy access to services.
Widespread Access: Our presence in multiple cities allows people to choose nearby testing centers, reducing travel time and effort.
This localized convenience ensures that testing is both quick and accessible, making the process seamless for all involved.
In De Witt, NY, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward, maintaining confidentiality and ease of access.
Confidential Handling: We prioritize sensitive treatment of information, ensuring privacy from start to finish.
From ordering to receiving results, each step is designed to be user-friendly, addressing concerns around privacy and process simplicity.
Affordable pricing and fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing in De Witt, NY, an attractive option for companies of all sizes.
Value for Money: Competitive rates ensure that businesses receive quality service without financial strain.
The quick processing of tests helps companies make timely decisions, providing reassurance and effective management of drug use policies.
Hair follicle drug testing in De Witt, NY, offers fast and accurate results, setting a high standard for substance detection. The precise methodology ensures minimal errors, providing reliable data.
Quick Turnaround Time: Hair tests deliver results swiftly, maintaining efficiency without compromising accuracy.
Advanced technology supports these tests, offering a robust approach to identifying substance use, enhancing trust in results.
Employers in De Witt, NY, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, as it ensures compliance with drug-free policies.
Legal Compliance: By choosing hair testing, businesses reduce legal liability and enhance workplace safety.
This testing method supports a secure work environment, protecting both employer and employee welfare and upholding company standards.
