Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of these substances by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected from close to the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol use over a period of up to three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch sample of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp produces 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests that exceed 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" denotes all other types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
There are four key stages in lab processing for drug testing: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial insertion of a sample into a lab's system. It involves verifying proper sealing and shipping, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and adding any data not included in an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a primary, rapid assessment for drug abuse. It's cost-effective for initially ruling out drug presence in most samples. However, a positive result at this stage needs confirmation for legal purposes. Presumptively positive samples require further validation.
When samples test presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair from the original sample is used for Extraction, where drugs are drawn out at considerably lower concentrations than with techniques like urine tests, making hair drug screening notably challenging.
A GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technique is used to confirm any positive result from Screening. Samples found presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation when necessary. All phases from Accessioning to Confirmation are audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests," these tests analyze the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Firthcliffe, NY
Hair tests excel over urine tests with their superior accuracy in detecting drug use over extended periods. Traditional urine tests have a shorter detection window, while hair tests provide a more comprehensive substance history.
The increased reliability of hair testing makes it the favored method for stringent screening, reducing the scope for tampering and offering a true reflection of an individual’s drug use history.
Extended Detection Window in Firthcliffe, NY
Hair follicle testing offers a detection window that extends up to 90 days, providing a thorough account of an individual's substance use. This broader overview is invaluable for employers aiming to understand an employee's substance history comprehensively.
Compared to other methods, hair testing’s extended window offers deeper insights into long-term drug use patterns, crucial for making informed employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Firthcliffe, NY
The hair follicle drug test significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering, providing irrefutable results. This superior method ensures the integrity of the sample remains intact from collection to analysis.
Such resistance to adulteration makes hair testing a dependable choice for accurate drug detection, maintaining the validity and reliability of the results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Firthcliffe, NY
With extensive testing centers nationwide, accessing our hair follicle testing services is quick and convenient. This network allows for hassle-free, accessible testing solutions, including local options in Firthcliffe, NY.
Our widespread presence eliminates the need for long distances, ensuring prompt and straightforward testing processes wherever you are.
Simple, Confidential Process in Firthcliffe, NY
The hair follicle testing procedure is designed to be simple and confidential, ensuring ease from ordering to result delivery. This process respects privacy concerns, providing secure and private transactions.
Users benefit from a streamlined experience that emphasizes confidentiality, catering to individuals wary about their privacy during substance testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Firthcliffe, NY
Our hair follicle testing services offer competitive pricing structures with rapid result times. This combination provides excellent value, catering to companies of various sizes looking for reliable testing options.
With our quick turnaround, businesses can integrate testing effortlessly into their operations, maintaining efficiency without sacrificing quality or affordability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Firthcliffe, NY
Hair follicle drug tests provide rapid and precise detection of substance use, ensuring high accuracy. Their swift processing speed makes them efficient for various needs, from workplace testing to legal requirements, offering trustworthy results quickly.
Such tests are designed to deliver dependable outcomes in minimal time, making them a preferred choice for organizations and individuals needing quick and reliable substance use assessments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Firthcliffe, NY
Hair follicle testing ensures company adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks. The method enhances workplace safety, offering employers peace of mind through reliable detection methods.
By adopting hair testing, employers can uphold compliance, reduce potential liabilities, and cultivate a safer, more productive work environment.
