Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are now recognized as effective tools for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers in the strands' fibers as the hair grows. When sampled near the scalp, it can offer up to almost a 90-day detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair samples are easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (approximately matching a #2 pencil in width) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample weight on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unobtainable, a similar amount of body hair can be taken. When discussing head hair, we only mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a specimen into the lab's system. This process verifies that the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes a rapid preliminary check for drugs. Though Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use on most samples, any positive screen needs verification to be court admissible. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
When a sample tests positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of positive screening results is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
The benefits of hair follicle testing exceed those of conventional urine tests in Greenwood Lake, NY. Hair tests demonstrate superior detection accuracy, capable of identifying drug use over a much more extended period. This reliability is a key advantage when compared to traditional methods, offering unmatched precision in detection.
With a 90-day detection window, hair follicle tests in Greenwood Lake, NY, furnish employers with an extensive understanding of an individual's drug usage history. This method provides an encompassing perspective on substance use, enabling more informed decisions regarding employment.
Hair follicle drug tests in Greenwood Lake, NY, present a tamper-resistant testing solution, significantly minimizing the potential for sample adulteration. The inherent design of these tests makes them nearly impossible to cheat, resulting in undeniably reliable results.
The convenience of nationwide testing centers, along with local facilities in Greenwood Lake, NY, facilitates effortless access to our drug testing services. Our centers are designed to provide swift and hassle-free testing experiences, ensuring accessibility wherever needed.
In Greenwood Lake, NY, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, the procedure emphasizes privacy and simplicity, addressing any concerns regarding discretion and user-friendliness.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our services in Greenwood Lake, NY deliver substantial value to businesses of all sizes. The affordability paired with efficient results ensures a cost-effective solution that meets varied company needs.
In Greenwood Lake, NY, the advantages of hair follicle drug tests are identified in their speed, accuracy, and dependability. These tests provide precise results, reflecting substance use with great accuracy. Compared to other testing methods, hair follicle analysis ensures meticulous substance detection, giving assuredly rapid and reliable outcomes.
Employers in Greenwood Lake, NY can benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. Utilizing this method aids in minimizing legal liabilities and promotes a safer work environment, enhancing organizational peace of mind.
