Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Hartsdale, NY

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now considered an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a record of alcohol and drug use, retaining biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is easy, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.

A hair sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) located nearest to the scalp will yield about 100mg, the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair can't be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's system. It involves ensuring the sample is correctly sealed and shipped, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Although it's a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug consumption in most samples, a positive screening must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples with a presumptive positive result during Screening require further confirmation.

If a screening outcome is presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is more challenging.

Confirmation of any positive screening results is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection timeframe.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is very difficult, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Offers historical insights: Provides a pattern of drug use over time, not solely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Drug presence becomes detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than other drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual differences in hair growth may impact the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hartsdale, NY
Hair testing is superior to traditional urine tests in many aspects, offering greater detection accuracy and reliability. Employers and institutions benefit from this advanced testing by ensuring substance use is accurately identified.

While urine tests are limited to detecting recent use, hair follicle tests provide a detailed account of an individual's substance use history, enhancing overall dependability.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Hartsdale, NY
Hair follicle testing offers an extensive detection period for drug use, covering up to 90 days. This more comprehensive timeframe assists employers in gaining a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history.

Unlike urine tests that only detect recent drug use, hair tests reveal patterns of use that aid in making informed decisions regarding employment or legal standing over a substantial period.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hartsdale, NY
Security is paramount, and hair follicle testing significantly decreases the chances of sample tampering. This method ensures that results are not only reliable but also unquestionable, providing peace of mind to those who rely on its findings.

The inability to easily alter hair samples is a key advantage over other testing types, making it a preferred option for many organizations seeking secure results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hartsdale, NY
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures that residents and businesses in Hartsdale have easy access to drug testing services.

The network guarantees a convenient, quick, and hassle-free process, whether you're located locally or require services across the nation.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Hartsdale, NY
Our approach focuses on maintaining a straightforward and private experience, ensuring ease of use and privacy from ordering to receiving results.

We understand the importance of confidentiality and simplicity, which are prioritized to keep the process user-friendly and respectful of our clients' privacy concerns.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hartsdale, NY
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times provide excellent value for businesses of all sizes.

Clients can expect efficient services at an affordable cost, highlighting our commitment to delivering high-quality drug testing solutions without breaking the bank.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hartsdale, NY
Hair follicle drug testing offers precision and quick turnaround times, assuring accurate detection of substance use. The reliability of this method is unparalleled, ensuring that test results are swift and dependable for employers and institutions alike.

Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, hair testing promises precise outcomes, making it an ideal choice for those seeking fast and trustworthy drug testing solutions in Hartsdale, NY.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hartsdale, NY
Employers can rest assured that hair follicle testing helps maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. The use of this testing method minimizes legal risks and contributes to a safer work environment.

By adopting hair testing, organizations demonstrate a commitment to safety and legal adherence, fostering an atmosphere of trust and security among employees.

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