Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair maintains a detailed record of alcohol and drug exposure by embedding biomarkers in the strands of the growing hair. When cut close to the scalp, hair offers up to approximately a 90-day detection span for alcohol and other substances. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is convenient.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (approximating the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for verification and screening. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a recommendation of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If head hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. In contrast, body hair pertains to all additional hair types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test outcomes encompasses four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s framework. This phase includes verifying the sample’s seal and correct shipment, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for abusive substances. Though Screening is a cost-efficient means to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen mandates confirmation for court acceptance. Samples assessed as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
When a sample appears positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than alternative techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug testing methodologies.
Any positive screening result undergoes Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated based on both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair directive and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Eagle Valley, NY lies in its superior detection capability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests offer enhanced accuracy and reliability, effectively identifying substance use over extended periods. This makes hair testing a preferred choice against conventional methods.
Extended Detection Window is a significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Eagle Valley, NY. Capable of detecting drug use up to 90 days prior, this method provides employers with a detailed view of an individual's substance history, unlike other short-term testing options.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method is a standout feature of hair follicle tests in Eagle Valley, NY. This method is designed to minimize sample tampering, ensuring the delivery of reliable and unquestionable results, which are crucial in high-stakes environments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Eagle Valley, NY highlight the ease of access to our testing services. With centers nationwide, including local sites, we promise a hassle-free and efficient testing experience for all clients, ensuring seamless service delivery.
Simple, Confidential Process is assured with our hair follicle testing in Eagle Valley, NY. We prioritize privacy and ease, with straightforward procedures for ordering, testing, and receiving results, addressing any confidentiality concerns seamlessly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround are notable features of our hair follicle testing in Eagle Valley, NY. We offer competitive rates and swift result delivery, ensuring excellent value and satisfaction for businesses, regardless of size.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results are key benefits of hair follicle testing in Eagle Valley, NY. This method ensures precision and rapid identification of substance use. Known for their accuracy, hair tests can effectively trace drug use, providing dependable results that surpass traditional testing methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Eagle Valley, NY is achievable through hair follicle testing. This testing method guarantees adherence to drug-free workplace policies, decreases legal liabilities, and fosters a safer working environment.
