Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair can capture biomarkers in its developing strands, creating a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around 90 days for drugs and alcohol. Its collection is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and hassle-free to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of approximately 200 strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp equals 100mg, which is the preferred quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's best to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If no scalp hair is available, a similar amount of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types, such as facial hair, axillary hair, etc.
Process Summary
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the sample's preliminary integration into a laboratory system. This phase ensures the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial, rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economically viable means to dismiss drug consumption in most samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation to be valid in a legal setting. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary verification.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at a markedly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most intricate methodology to conduct.
The confirmation of any positive screen is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleaned before confirmation, as necessary. The whole laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Even though commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Elma Center, NY, hair follicle testing often outperforms urine testing for drug detection. Its superior reliability comes from the ability to detect a broader range of substances over a more extended period. Hair tests are less invasive and are especially beneficial for employers who enforce strict drug-free policies, offering a detailed insight that a traditional urine test can't match.
Hair follicle tests in Elma Center, NY provide an extended detection window for drug use, spanning up to 90 days. This possibility enables employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of a candidate or employee's substance use history. Hair testing, in turn, helps promote a safe and productive work environment by uncovering long-term usage patterns that may otherwise stay hidden.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Elma Center, NY significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration. This reliability ensures that the results are trustworthy and unquestionable. Unlike other drug testing methods, hair tests are collected in a monitored environment, safeguarding the testing process from potential manipulation or fraud.
Offering convenient testing locations nationwide, our centers in Elma Center, NY enable quick and efficient access to drug testing services. This accessibility ensures that individuals and businesses can take advantage of hassle-free testing processes. Nationwide availability of our facilities provides peace of mind through the ease and comfort of our services.
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results for hair follicle tests in Elma Center, NY is simple and confidential. Privacy concerns are addressed by our streamlined and secure steps, ensuring a stress-free experience. By prioritizing confidentiality and user-friendliness, we create an uncomplicated pathway to understanding one's drug testing outcomes.
In Elma Center, NY, hair follicle testing is available with competitive pricing and fast turnaround times. Our affordable rates provide excellent value to businesses of all sizes, without compromising on quality or accuracy. By emphasizing rapid service and budget-friendly options, we ensure that reliable testing is accessible to all, bringing peace of mind to our clients.
Hair follicle testing in Elma Center, NY delivers fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision of this method ensures that substance use is detected with high accuracy. The test involves a single simple procedure, providing peace of mind with its results' trustworthiness. For rapid and reliable detection of drugs, hair testing stands as an efficient choice for many stakeholders seeking dependable outcomes.
Opting for hair follicle testing in Elma Center, NY ensures peace of mind for employers by adhering to workplace drug-free policies. This compliance helps to minimize legal risks while also enhancing the overall safety of the workplace. Hair tests serve as a vital tool in maintaining a secure work atmosphere, reassuring employers of their regulatory adherence.
