Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust technique for recognizing substance use. Hair offers an extended history of drugs and alcohol by encasing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol consumption over a span of nearly three months. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and featuring around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp can yield 100mg, an optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation phases. For tests like EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, collecting 150mg of hair is advisable. It's suggested to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If no scalp hair is available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be obtained. In terms of head hair, this specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial hair, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in the lab analysis of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about initially entering a sample into the lab’s system. This step ensures proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data not available through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is an initial, rapid evaluation for drugs. While Screening provides an economical method to filter out drug usage for most samples, a positive screening outcome must be confirmed to hold up in legal proceedings. Samples that test positive during Screening also need a secondary verification.
If a sample shows a positive sign during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample and readied for Extraction. During this step, drug chemicals are extracted from hair at far lower levels than in other testing forms (like urine or saliva), which is why hair drug analysis remains the most challenging method.
Confirmation of any positive result occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples go through a wash before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and adheres to the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis investigates the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Dover Plains, NY
Hair testing is superior to urine tests due to its ability to detect substances accurately over an extended period. This method surpasses traditional urine tests by offering greater reliability and longer detection windows, proving crucial for employers, courts, and individuals.
Extended Detection Window in Dover Plains, NY
Hair follicle testing can uncover drug use for up to 90 days, providing employers with an in-depth view of a subject's drug history. This extensive detection period is key for organizations needing a reliable overview of an individual’s substance use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Dover Plains, NY
Hair follicle tests significantly lower the risk of sample tampering, yielding reliable and undeniable outcomes. This method ensures the integrity of results, mitigating any attempt at deception during the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Dover Plains, NY
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide ensures easy, swift, and hassle-free access to testing services, facilitating seamless drug testing experiences for all clients in various locales.
Simple, Confidential Process in Dover Plains, NY
Our straightforward and confidential procedure for ordering, testing, and result retrieval addresses privacy concerns and ensures ease of use, making the entire process effortless and secure for every client.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Dover Plains, NY
We offer competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, delivering excellent value and assurance for companies of all sizes, ensuring efficient and cost-effective drug testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Dover Plains, NY
Hair follicle drug tests offer rapid and precise detection of substance use, ensuring high accuracy. This advanced testing method provides speedy, dependable results, making it a frequent choice for ensuring clear substance oversight in a timely manner.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Dover Plains, NY
Hair follicle testing aids in aligning with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal vulnerabilities and bolstering workplace safety. This testing approach provides peace of mind by ensuring stringent compliance for all stakeholders.
