Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair furnishes a protracted record of drug and alcohol use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the developing hair. When clipped near the scalp, hair can offer up to nearly a 3-month timeframe for detecting drugs and alcohol. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of about 200 hairs (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional screenings, and/or assays over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not present, a similar quantity of body hair may be taken. In the context of head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The basic stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with the initial handling of a sample into the laboratory's framework. This step involves ensuring that the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial swift evaluation for drugs of misuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive result from Screening requires confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples yielding a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample appear presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are drawn from hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is among the most complex methods to conduct.
Any confirmed positive results from screening are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples reflecting presumptive positives are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the assessment is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Choosing hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Highland Mills, NY, brings several advantages. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy, extending the window of detection considerably. Unlike urine tests, which primarily detect recent usage, hair follicle testing provides a broader snapshot of an individual's substance history, ensuring more comprehensive and reliable outcomes, especially beneficial for employers enforcing strict drug-free policies.
With an extended detection window, hair follicle testing in Highland Mills, NY, outshines other testing methods. These tests reach back up to 90 days, affording employers a detailed view of past drug use. This comprehensive assessment is invaluable during the hiring process, providing employers with a thorough understanding of an applicant's substance history, ultimately fostering a safer and more informed hiring decision.
One of the foremost advantages of hair follicle testing in Highland Mills, NY, is its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other testing methods susceptible to sample adulteration, hair tests offer reliability and unquestionable integrity. They significantly diminish the risk of manipulation, ensuring that the results obtained truly reflect the tested individual's substance use history, making them a preferred choice for securing accurate findings.
Our extensive network of testing centers provides convenient nationwide locations, including Highland Mills, NY. This wide availability guarantees a quick, straightforward approach to accessing necessary testing services. Whether local or across the country, our centers offer hassle-free access, accommodating busy schedules and making the testing process smooth and accessible to all clients.
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle tests in Highland Mills, NY, is simple and confidential. Each step is designed to ease concerns over privacy and accessibility. Clients can rest assured that their data is handled discreetly, ensuring a seamless experience from test initiation to receiving clear, well-documented results, fostering client confidence in our services.
We pride ourselves on offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround in Highland Mills, NY. Our competitive pricing structures cater to companies of all sizes, providing excellent value. Coupled with quick turnaround times, our services ensure that cost-effectiveness and peace of mind are delivered efficiently, supporting clients in maintaining timely and cost-effective drug testing protocols.
When it comes to achieving fast, accurate, and reliable results, hair follicle drug tests in Highland Mills, NY, are exceptional. Their ability to deliver prompt precision and detect substance use efficiently positions them as a superior choice. These tests boast high accuracy levels, ensuring that the results you receive are trustworthy and quick, meeting the demands of clients seeking swift answers to their testing needs.
Incorporating hair follicle testing in Highland Mills, NY, helps ensure compliance and peace of mind for employers. Utilizing this method aligns with zero-tolerance workplace policies and mitigates legal risks. By offering reliable results, hair testing enhances workplace safety, allowing employers to confidently uphold drug-free environments, crucial for a productive and secure working atmosphere.