Hair Follicle Drug Testing - East Patchogue, NY

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has evolved into a significant means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands encase chemical indicators in their fibers, offering a long-term record of alcohol and drug use. When hair is sampled near the scalp, it can reveal drug or alcohol usage over roughly a three-month period. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat challenging to alter, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) from the scalp is necessary to obtain 100mg, which is the preferred amount for initial screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a minimum of 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair is a suitable substitute. Specifically, head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses other types like facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

The drug test laboratory process is divided into four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning signifies the initial step wherein a sample is integrated into a laboratory's database. This process involves confirming the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any additional information not captured by the electronic chain of custody.

Screening is a preliminary assessment to swiftly identify abusive drug substances. Though cost-effective, Screening requires a follow-up verification for the results to hold legal credibility. Positive results from Screening necessitate a second confirmation.

Should a sample test positive in the Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample for the Extraction stage. In this phase, the drug content is removed from the hair at notably lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing particularly intricate.

Positive Screening results undergo a confirmation process employing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All tentative samples are washed as necessary before confirmation. The comprehensive process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is conducted in compliance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests can identify drug use up to 90 days, contrasting with the shorter span of urine tests.
• Hard to deceive: Given its complexity, a hair drug test offers highly reliable results, minimizing the likelihood of manipulation.
• Reveals usage history: It can highlight drug use patterns over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Non-detection of immediate use: Detection in hair typically takes 5-7 days post-drug use.
• Expense: Compared with other methods, hair drug testing generally incurs higher costs.
• Result variability: Different factors like hair pigmentation and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Though colloquially called "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in East Patchogue, NY

When contrasting hair and urine drug tests, hair testing proves superior due to its extended detection period and reliability. It captures drug history up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which only cover recent usage. This makes hair testing ideal for employers enforcing stringent drug-free policies.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in East Patchogue, NY

Hair follicle testing enables the detection of drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days, providing employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history. This broader window significantly enhances the insights available to evaluate an applicant or employee's suitability.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in East Patchogue, NY

The integrity of hair follicle testing is unmatched, dramatically minimizing the possibility of sample tampering. This testing method ensures reliable results, providing confidence in determining an accurate history of drug use, maintaining the credibility of the evaluation process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in East Patchogue, NY

We offer a network of testing centers nationwide, ensuring accessible and swift testing services. This convenience aids in providing a stress-free process for obtaining necessary drug testing, whether locally in East Patchogue or across the country.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in East Patchogue, NY

The process of ordering, providing a sample, and receiving results is straightforward and discreet. Our clients can trust that their privacy is our priority, facilitating an easy yet secure environment for managing their testing needs.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in East Patchogue, NY

Our competitive pricing and quick result delivery provide significant value, catering to companies of all sizes. Clients benefit from economical solutions while gaining timely insights into drug testing outcomes, ensuring effective decision-making within their organizations.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in East Patchogue, NY

Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed in detecting substance use. These tests provide high accuracy, identifying drugs consumed over a significant period, offering rapid and trustworthy results essential for both personal and professional screenings.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in East Patchogue, NY

Implementing hair follicle testing aligns with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating risks associated with legal issues and enhancing the safety of the work environment. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are maintaining compliance while safeguarding their workforce.

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