Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers a prolonged history by encapsulating biomarkers within the fiber of the growing strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can indicate drug and alcohol use for a period of up to about 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hairs (around the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimum amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or those testing beyond 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is suggested. We advise measuring the quantity on a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair not be available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to any other hair (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Outline
The procedure involves four critical phases in the laboratory processing of drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first phase, whereby a laboratory incorporates a sample into its records. This step confirms the sample's integrity during transportation, generates a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data registration not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
The Screening step involves an initial rapid assessment for potential drug use. While Screening is cost-efficient for eliminating drug usage in most cases, a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal acceptability. Any samples that return a presumptive positive during Screening require further confirmation.
For samples testing presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a diminished concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging techniques.
Confirmation of positive screenings is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positives are cleaned prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation is vetted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", these tests examine the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fernwood, NY
Hair follicle tests provide superior advantages over traditional urine testing by offering enhanced detection reliability and a longer assessment period. Employers in Fernwood benefit from this method's accuracy, ensuring a drug-free workplace.
Unlike urine tests that detect minor drug traces, hair tests capture a comprehensive history, making it a valuable tool for stringent zero-tolerance policies.
Extended Detection Window in Fernwood, NY
Hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage with its extended detection period of up to 90 days. This allows employers to get a comprehensive overview of an applicant's or employee's drug use history in Fernwood, NY, providing crucial insights into long-term substance use patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fernwood, NY
Hair follicle testing in Fernwood drastically minimizes the possibility of sample tampering, unlike other methods. With its stringent collection process, it ensures reliable, unaltered results, giving employers the confidence in making informed decisions regarding their workforce.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fernwood, NY
Our testing centers, conveniently located both nationwide and locally in Fernwood, NY, allow for quick and hassle-free access to drug testing services. This network ensures that individuals and companies can easily reach testing facilities.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fernwood, NY
Our hair follicle testing process in Fernwood is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, each step ensures privacy and ease of use, addressing any privacy concerns in the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fernwood, NY
We offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for our hair follicle testing in Fernwood. This ensures excellent value for companies of all sizes, providing peace of mind without straining budgets while delivering swift and reliable results.
In Fernwood, NY, hair follicle tests stand out with their precision and swift results. Known for their high accuracy, these tests effectively identify substance use, offering reliable detection for employers and individuals.
The efficiency of hair follicle testing ensures that results are delivered promptly, making it a preferred choice for those seeking quick yet dependable drug screening solutions in Fernwood.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fernwood, NY
By adopting hair follicle testing, Fernwood employers can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method mitigates legal risks and enhances workplace safety, providing both assurance and a sense of security for businesses.
