Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing offers an extended historical perspective by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair. Sampling hair near the scalp can yield a detection window that spans up to around three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the girth of a #2 pencil) next to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for preliminary testing and verification. For EtG, additional testing, and/or panels exceeding ten, it is suggested to procure 150mg of the specimen. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is advised. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair, whereas body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for analyzing a drug test result in the lab encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary phase where a sample is integrated into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipment, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any other data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening delivers an initial expedited assessment for drug misuse. It is a budget-friendly approach to dismiss drug presence in most samples, but a positive screen must be verified to be acceptable in legal settings. Samples that appear positive in Screening necessitate further validation.
In instances where the Screening stage indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair from the original sample is prepared for Extraction. Here, substances are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to methodologies like urine or oral fluids, rendering hair drug screening the most complex approach to conduct.
Verification of any positive screening result occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes a washing process if needed before confirmation. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing: In East White Plains, NY, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy over urine tests. Employers benefit from the extensive detection window and reduced risks associated with sample tampering. These factors make hair testing a reliable choice for maintaining workplace safety and compliance.
Extended Detection Window: The hair follicle test offers a significant advantage in East White Plains, NY, by identifying drug use over extended periods of up to 90 days. This provides employers with a more comprehensive insight into the substance history of employees or applicants, enhancing their management and hiring practices.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method: Hair follicle testing in East White Plains, NY, greatly minimizes the possibility of sample adulteration. This testing method delivers dependable and unquestionable results, making it a preferred choice in situations where the integrity of the sample is paramount.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations: Our East White Plains, NY testing facilities, along with our national network, offer convenient and hassle-free access. This extensive reach ensures that testing services are both quick and readily accessible, minimizing disruptions and facilitating efficient drug assessments.
Simple, Confidential Process: In East White Plains, NY, the hair follicle drug testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to testing and receiving results, the procedure prioritizes user privacy and ease, ensuring a seamless experience for all involved parties.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround: East White Plains, NY offers competitive pricing and rapid result times for hair follicle drug tests. Businesses of all sizes benefit from this valuable service, gaining not only significant cost savings but also a swift and dependable testing process.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results: Hair follicle drug tests in East White Plains, NY, are celebrated for their speed and precision. These assessments accurately detect drug usage, providing timely and dependable outcomes. This efficiency ensures that employers can gauge substance use effectively, relying on the robust accuracy of hair analysis over traditional methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers: Hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies in East White Plains, NY. It reduces legal risks and fosters a secure working environment, granting employers peace of mind in maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.
