Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When taken from near the scalp, it offers an approximate 3-month window for detection of alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing approximately 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's recommended to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When referring to head hair, this pertains solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step, wherein a sample is introduced into a laboratory's system. It involves verifying that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use in most samples, any positive results must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that test positive initially in Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
If samples are found to be presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. In this process, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually involves examining the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Freedom Plains, NY
The advantages of hair follicle testing over urine testing are substantial. Hair testing boasts superior detection accuracy and longer testing windows, providing a more complete picture of an individual's substance use history. In Freedom Plains, NY, this method is increasingly favored for its reliability, ensuring that employers and institutions get the most thorough results possible.
Extended Detection Window in Freedom Plains, NY
Hair follicle tests offer a notable advantage with their extended detection window, capable of revealing drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended insight is invaluable for employers in Freedom Plains, NY, who seek a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history, thus allowing for more informed decision-making in the workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Freedom Plains, NY
The reliability of hair follicle tests is enhanced by their tamper-resistant nature. In Freedom Plains, NY, this method significantly reduces chances of sample adulteration, providing trustworthy and undeniable results that instill confidence in employers and individuals relying on these tests for critical decisions.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Freedom Plains, NY
Access to hair follicle testing is simplified with our widespread testing centers nationwide, including in Freedom Plains, NY. This wide-reaching network ensures that testing services are never far away, allowing for a quick, convenient, and stress-free testing experience for all users.
Simple, Confidential Process in Freedom Plains, NY
Our hair follicle testing services prioritize simplicity and privacy, offering an easy-to-follow process for ordering, taking, and receiving results. In Freedom Plains, NY, clients can be assured of maintaining confidentiality and ease of use, addressing any concerns they may have about privacy and discretion.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Freedom Plains, NY
Hair follicle testing in Freedom Plains, NY, combines competitive pricing with quick result turnaround times. This combination provides excellent value and efficiency, assuring companies of all sizes that they can meet their testing needs affordably without compromising on quality or speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Freedom Plains, NY
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed in identifying drug use. Compared to traditional methods, they offer unmatched accuracy, making them a preferred choice for those seeking dependable results. In Freedom Plains, NY, leveraging these tests ensures that results are not only fast but also robust in detecting a wide range of substances.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Freedom Plains, NY
Employers in Freedom Plains, NY, benefit greatly from hair follicle testing as it ensures adherence to drug-free policies. This compliance reduces legal liabilities and enhances workplace safety, providing peace of mind and a secure working environment that meets regulatory standards effectively.
