Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When harvested near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window for alcohol and drugs extending up to roughly 3 months. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil), nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount needed for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or over 10-panel tests, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It is advised to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair, while body hair refers to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in laboratory evaluation of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This process verifies that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfills any extra data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes an initial brief analysis for illicit drugs. Though Screening offers a cost-efficient method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated for court admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other procedures (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most intricate methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive results from screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed prior to confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in East Garden City, NY
Hair follicle testing provides a more extensive and reliable detection method compared to urine tests. Its ability to identify substance use over a longer period ensures that past drug use cannot be easily concealed. Traditional urine tests may miss out on detecting substance use beyond a few days, thus lacking the comprehensive insight that hair testing offers.
Extended Detection Window in East Garden City, NY
Hair follicle testing stands out with its extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This protracted timeline gives employers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history, which is essential for informed decision-making during hiring or monitoring processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in East Garden City, NY
The robustness of hair follicle testing lies in its resistance to tampering. Unlike urine tests, which can be more easily manipulated, hair tests ensure sample integrity and provide credible and uncontaminated results, thereby strengthening the reliability of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in East Garden City, NY
Our expansive network of testing centers across the nation, including East Garden City, ensures accessibility and convenience. Whether locally or elsewhere, clients benefit from hassle-free, prompt access to our testing services, simplifying the process for everyone involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in East Garden City, NY
With a clear and confidential process, ordering and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward. The privacy of our clients is a top priority, ensuring that the entire procedure is not only user-friendly but also respects individual confidentiality, fostering trust and convenience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in East Garden City, NY
Offering competitive pricing models alongside rapid turnaround times, our hair follicle testing provides exceptional value. This combination appeals to companies of varying sizes, ensuring they receive efficient, cost-effective service without compromising on quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in East Garden City, NY
Hair follicle drug tests excel in delivering precise and speedy results. The methodology is designed to ensure a high level of accuracy, making it an indispensable tool for identifying substance use. This testing method not only provides results quickly but also assures employers of its dependability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in East Garden City, NY
Implementing hair follicle testing supports employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This approach reduces legal uncertainties while promoting a safer work environment, offering peace of mind that company standards are upheld.
