Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of growing hair, it offers an extensive timeline of substance use. If collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of nearly 3 months for various substances. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is efficient.
Collecting a 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hairs (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, or tests over 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. The specimen should be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. Should there be no scalp hair available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it pertains strictly to scalp hair, whereas body hair entails all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the lab system. This process includes ensuring the sample is appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a randomly generated LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary swift assessment for substances of abuse. Despite Screening being an economical method to determine drug use in most samples, a positive outcome must be verified for court admissibility. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening require additional confirmation.
In the event of a presumptive positive outcome during Screening, further hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. Here, drug extraction occurs at a significantly lower concentration than other methodologies (for example, urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are utilized for Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes washing before confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and adheres to the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" often used refers to the analysis of the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Delhi, NY
The hair follicle test surpasses traditional urine tests in both detection accuracy and reliability. With a longer detection window and greater resistance to adulteration, it effectively catches drug use that urine tests might miss.
Extended Detection Window in Delhi, NY
Hair follicle testing extends its detection period up to 90 days, offering employers a broader view of an individual's substance usage history. This makes it a more comprehensive choice for employment screenings.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Delhi, NY
The nature of hair follicle tests makes them resistant to tampering, ensuring the integrity of the sample. This affords both employers and testers the assurance of unequivocal results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Delhi, NY
The vast network of testing centers enables a quick and hassle-free process, offering convenience and accessibility whether in Delhi, NY or beyond.
Simple, Confidential Process in Delhi, NY
The process for undergoing a hair follicle test is straightforward and guarantees confidentiality throughout. This ensures privacy and ease for those being tested.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Delhi, NY
We offer competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, which provide exceptional value while maintaining peace of mind for businesses of every scale.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Delhi, NY
Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and swiftness, ensuring accurate detection of substance use. This high accuracy level is crucial in providing confidence and clarity in results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Delhi, NY
Employers benefit significantly from hair follicle testing as it aids compliance with drug-free policies, minimizes legal risks, and enhances overall workplace safety, contributing to a healthier work environment.
