Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to three months for alcohol and various drugs. It is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 strands of hair (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) taken nearest the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for preliminary and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional substances, and/or panels exceeding ten, a 150mg sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is not present, a comparable volume of body hair may be used. References to head hair imply scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab handling of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the preliminary processing of a sample in the lab’s system. This stage includes confirming the sample was correctly sealed and delivered, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody process.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly approach to rule out drug use for most samples, a positive indication requires confirmation to be acceptable in legal situations. Presumptive positive samples from Screening demand further validation.
For samples testing positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is drawn from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. Here, substances are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a particularly challenging technique.
Any positive screening result is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Ellicottville, NY
Choosing hair follicle over urine testing offers significantly enhanced detection rates and reliability. These tests capture a longer history of drug use, ensuring a detailed understanding of an individual's substance habits, which straightforwardly outshines traditional methods. Organizations enforce this technique to uphold stringent drug-free environments effectively.
Extended Detection Window in Ellicottville, NY
The quintessential trait of hair follicle testing is its expansive detection window reaching up to 90 days, crucial for employers requiring a broad view of substance use history. This extended period surpasses standard tests, making it ideal to rigorously assess long-term patterns of drug consumption in potential and current employees alike.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ellicottville, NY
Hair follicle drug tests are inherently resilient to tampering, assuring trustworthy outcomes. The method's design prevents sample adulteration, making it a reliable option when accuracy is paramount. This assurance against modification bolsters trust and integrity in test results, differentiating itself from more vulnerable testing alternatives.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Ellicottville, NY
Our widespread network of testing centers guarantees hassle-free entry to testing services, locally and nationally. This ease ensures prompt access, facilitating seamless drug testing processes. With numerous locations, clients encounter less wait time and more efficiency, regardless of geographic constraints.
Simple, Confidential Process in Ellicottville, NY
The procedure of ordering, conducting, and obtaining hair test results prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. Addressing privacy concerns, this streamlined process makes participation straightforward while ensuring the handling of sensitive information with the utmost discretion, meeting both client needs and privacy laws.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ellicottville, NY
Our competitive pricing and swift result delivery symbolize an excellent balance of value and efficiency for businesses of varied sizes. By maintaining cost-effectiveness while providing rapid outcomes, companies gain reassurance, knowing they receive premium services without comprising financial or time constraints.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ellicottville, NY
Experience the swiftness and precision of hair follicle drug testing, renowned for delivering quick, highly accurate outcomes. This method ensures substantial reliability when identifying drug use in individuals, reflecting technological advancements in the field. Whether for professional or legal use, these tests provide an efficient way to achieve definitive results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ellicottville, NY
Implementing hair follicle testing fortifies adherence to workplace drug-free protocols, mitigating legal worries while bolstering overall safety. Employers experience peace of mind knowing that this robust testing method withstands scrutiny and upholds standards, prioritizing both compliance and a secure working environment.
