Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair, which grows continuously, a detailed record of substance use is formed. When collected near the scalp, hair testing can uncover substance use for up to three months. This method is easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to send off for analysis.
A sample close to the scalp, measuring 1.5 inches and comprising roughly 200 hairs (comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness), provides 100mg of hair, the ideal amount for both initial screening and subsequent verification. For the detection of EtG, expanded panels, or assays exceeding 10 panels, a larger sample of 150mg is advisable. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is impossible to collect, an equivalent measure of body hair can be used instead. When we mention head hair, we exclusively refer to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types, such as facial or underarm hair.
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the lab analysis of a drug test: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is entered into the lab's system. This procedure checks that the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any outstanding data entry not handled by a digital chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for the presence of illicit substances. While this step is an efficient method for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening are then subjected to further Confirmation testing.
When a Screening test indicates a probable positive, additional hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction process. During this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair in significantly lower amounts than other techniques like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug testing one of the most challenging testing methods.
The Confirmation stage for any positive result uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation if required. The complete examination from Accessioning through Confirmation adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) standards for Hair and meets ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation requirements.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "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 Eastchester, NY, hair testing surpasses urine tests due to its superior discovery range and reliability. Unlike urine, hair analysis can detect substance usage over a longer timeframe and is less prone to tampering. The accurate reflection of individual drug history offered by hair testing makes it a preferred choice.
Extended Detection Window in Eastchester, NY
Hair follicle testing provides a comprehensive history of drug use for up to 90 days, offering employers an extensive review of an individual's substance use. This extended window ensures a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee’s past, aiding informed employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Eastchester, NY
The integrity of hair follicle testing sets it apart, significantly reducing the chances of sample adulteration. Its built-in resistance to tampering ensures that results are trustworthy and undeniable, maintaining the reliability required for effective drug screening.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Eastchester, NY
With a network of accessible nationwide testing centers, obtaining a drug test in Eastchester, NY, is hassle-free. Local centers ensure quick and easy access to the necessary services, easing the process for all involved parties.
Simple, Confidential Process in Eastchester, NY
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and discreet, from ordering to receiving results. This seamless procedure addresses privacy concerns, reassuring individuals and businesses of the protection of their data and ease of administration.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Eastchester, NY
Competitive pricing paired with rapid result delivery offers excellent value to companies of all sizes. Our affordable hair follicle testing services ensure quality results without long waits, making it a cost-effective solution for business needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Eastchester, NY
Hair follicle testing offers exceptional speed and precision in drug detection. Its high accuracy is unmatched, ensuring substances are detected effectively. With hair analysis, results are both swift and dependable, ideal for any screening needs, providing peace of mind and confidence in the outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Eastchester, NY
Using hair follicle testing aids in ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This not only mitigates legal risks but also boosts workplace safety. For employers, it represents a critical step in upholding a safe and legal work environment.