Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair-based evaluations are now regarded as a highly effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair preserves a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the structure of the growing hair fiber. When acquired near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a three-month detection period for alcohol and various drugs. The process of obtaining hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hair strands (akin to the diameter of a #2 pencil) positioned closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is deemed optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, obtaining 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair is an alternative. When referencing head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The central stages in processing a drug test in the laboratory encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary integration of a sample into a laboratory’s workflow. This process involves confirming the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody record.
Screening entails an initial rapid evaluation for potential drug misuse. While Screening presents a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use across a majority of samples, a positive indication during Screening mandates verification to be acceptable in legal proceedings. Samples showing potential positivity in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample exhibit potential positivity during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. This stage involves the extraction of drugs from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis one of the more challenging methodologies to execute.
Verification of any positive results from Screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All potential positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if required. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the examination actually targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Gates Center, NY lies in its superiority and precision. Compared to traditional urine tests, hair testing boasts greater detection accuracy and reliability. The extended time frame for detection and resistance to tampering presents a more dependable solution for comprehensive drug use assessment.
Extended Detection Window is a key advantage of hair follicle testing, especially in Gates Center, NY. This method allows drug detection up to 90 days, offering employers a broader view of an individual's drug history. This comprehensive insight aids in informed decision-making regarding workplace safety and compliance.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method is a hallmark of hair follicle testing, enhancing sample integrity in Gates Center, NY. The method significantly reduces the risk of adulteration, ensuring the reliability and veracity of the results, which is crucial for stakeholders involved in ensuring a drug-free environment.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations are accessible, including local sites in Gates Center, NY. These centers provide quick and convenient access to testing services, ensuring that individuals and businesses alike can rely on swift, hassle-free testing procedures across the nation.
Simple, Confidential Process in Gates Center, NY assures ease from ordering to results. Privacy concerns are addressed with a straightforward approach, making the testing experience as stress-free as possible while maintaining confidentiality and security for all clients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround provide value in Gates Center, NY. Our competitive pricing structures alongside rapid turnaround times deliver excellent service, offering companies of all sizes cost-effective drug testing solutions without compromising on quality or speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results obtained via hair follicle drug testing in Gates Center, NY are second to none. The speed and precision in detecting substance use stand out, offering an accurate glimpse into an individual's drug history. Unlike traditional methods, the methodical analysis ensures each test is handled with meticulous care to guarantee high reliability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers are achieved through hair follicle testing in Gates Center, NY. Employers can ensure compliance with drug-free policies, minimizing legal risk and enhancing workplace safety. This robust screening method provides confidence in maintaining a secure, drug-free workplace environment.