Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of substances by trapping specific biomarkers in its strands as it grows. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can detect alcohol and drugs for roughly three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, it's less susceptible to tampering, and it's simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising about 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg, the optimal amount for both screening and validation. For EtG, supplemental, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. Utilize a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement of the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, an equal quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types, like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory process of drug testing comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is integrated into the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any required data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary test to identify drug presence. It is an economical method to eliminate drug use in most samples, although a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal validity. Presumptive positive samples in Screening require a subsequent confirmation test.
Should a sample show presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations considerably lower than those used in methodologies like urine or oral fluid testing, making hair drug screening notably challenging.
Any positive screenings undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed prior to confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligned with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", these tests actually analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over urine testing in Earlville, NY.
For employers in Earlville, NY, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing is invaluable. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, it provides a more comprehensive view of a person's substance use history. This powerful tool gives a longer retrospective assessment, which is not achievable with conventional urine tests, allowing for better-informed decisions about hiring and policies.
Tamper-resistant methodologies are essential in drug testing, especially in Earlville, NY. Hair follicle tests deliver unimpeachable reliability by minimizing sample adulteration risks. Unlike urine tests, hair sample collection and analysis sharply reduce avenue for tampering, safeguarding the integrity of results. This reliability instills greater confidence in users and employers alike.
Convenience is key with Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide network of testing centers. In Earlville, NY, and beyond, quick and hassle-free access to services is assured. Local and accessible locations simplify the process for individuals and companies alike, ensuring swift service delivery and minimizing any disruptions to busy schedules.
In Earlville, NY, our drug testing procedure is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step is designed for ease of use. Privacy is guaranteed throughout the process, allowing users to feel secure. Experience a worry-free method that respects your dignity while providing dependable outcomes.
With competitive pricing structures and a fast turnaround, our services in Earlville, NY, offer exceptional value. Companies, irrespective of size, benefit from these cost-effective solutions without sacrificing reliability. Enjoy peace of mind with our commitment to affordability, ensuring quality results fit your budget and timeline.
In Earlville, NY, the precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests set them apart. Highly accurate in identifying substance use, they consistently provide reliable results. This method’s efficiency ensures swift processing, giving reliable outcomes that users can depend on. Receive your results promptly, knowing that the data is both precise and timely, crucial for decision-making.
Hair follicle drug testing enhances compliance with drug-free workplace policies in Earlville, NY. By using this method, employers can lower their legal risks while promoting a safe work environment. Assurance comes from knowing your staff adheres to necessary policies, thereby providing greater peace of mind and a safer, more productive atmosphere for employees.
