Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug use. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by containing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When harvested near the scalp, it gives up to a three-month detection range for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is easy, somewhat tamper-resistant, and straightforward to send.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional substances, and/or examinations beyond 10 panels, it is advised to collect 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair can't be obtained, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When referring to head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair includes other types such as facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
The primary steps involved in the laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This includes confirming that the sample was securely sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is an efficient measure to eliminate drug consumption for most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be permissible in court. Samples showing potential positivity in Screening require a further confirmation.
If a sample indicates potential positivity in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that are presumptively positive are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation follows both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers superior detection advantages over urine tests in Fort Ann, NY. Its longer detection window provides a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history. In contrast, urine tests often fail to identify drug use beyond a short period, making hair testing a more reliable option for discerning clients.
Employers in Fort Ann, NY, benefit from hair follicle tests' extended detection period, reaching up to 90 days. This lengthy window allows for an insightful review of an individual's past substance usage, aiding in informed decision-making regarding employees and applicants, thereby supporting a comprehensive approach to substance monitoring.
Fort Ann, NY's hair follicle testing method significantly reduces tampering risks, ensuring samples remain untampered. Unlike other methods prone to adulteration, hair testing provides accurate and indisputable results. This reliability makes it an ideal choice for discerning users seeking trustworthy testing outcomes.
With testing centers spread across the nation and locally in Fort Ann, NY, accessing services is effortless and convenient. These widespread facilities ensure customers can easily reach a testing location, offering a hassle-free and efficient testing experience. This extensive network ensures testing services are always within easy reach.
In Fort Ann, NY, the hair follicle testing procedure is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, each step is designed with privacy in mind, fostering peace of mind for individuals concerned about their sensitive information. The user-friendly process ensures hassle-free tool use.
Competitive pricing combined with swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Fort Ann, NY, a cost-effective solution. Clients benefit from both the affordability and reliability of this testing method. This balance of value and performance offers companies of any size peace of mind and an excellent return on investment.
In Fort Ann, NY, hair follicle testing provides fast and precise outcomes, pinpointing substance use with high accuracy. This method outshines traditional testing approaches by ensuring quick turnaround times, enhancing the efficiency of the testing process. Clients can rely on these tests to deliver exact results, allowing for timely decision-making.
Hair follicle testing in Fort Ann, NY, offers employers the assurance of compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By choosing this method, legal risks are minimized, and workplace safety is bolstered. Employers gain peace of mind knowing their substance testing aligns with best practices and meets strict compliance standards.
