Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Johnstown, NY

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as a robust method for uncovering alcohol and drug use. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, which offer a longer-term record of substance use. By taking samples near the scalp, a detection period of around 3 months is achievable for identifying alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, less prone to tampering, and convenient to send.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair—this is the perfect amount for both screening and confirmation procedures. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a greater quantity of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. In cases where scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair solely. Body hair pertains to all other hair varieties (such as facial and axillary).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning is the first stage where a sample is introduced to a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any missing data entry that isn't provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening serves as the initial check for drug abuse. Although it’s a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use in most samples, any positive screening results need confirmation for them to be legally valid. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require additional confirmation.

Should a sample test positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction. This stage isolates drugs from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods like urine or oral fluid, rendering hair drug testing more challenging.

Positive screening outcomes undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed as necessary. Every phase from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection time: Hair tests identify drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a shorter detection range.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is quite difficult, ensuring higher accuracy in results.
• Historical insight: It reveals patterns of drug usage over time, rather than just current consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to spot recent use: Detection in hair takes approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug assessments are generally pricier than other testing techniques.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and personal hair growth variations can influence drug metabolite concentrations.

Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used, but the actual analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Johnstown, NY, surpasses conventional urine tests due to its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Employers gain insights into long-term substance patterns, helping maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies.

Extended Detection Window

With the hair follicle testing method in Johnstown, NY, substance use can be identified up to 90 days prior, offering a more comprehensive insight into a person’s usage patterns than standard tests, aiding employers in making informed decisions about hiring and retaining personnel.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The hair follicle test's resistance to tampering makes it a standout choice in Johnstown, NY. Its robust methodology prevents adulteration, providing results that both employers and individuals can confidently trust for their authenticity.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Johnstown, NY, convenient locations for hair follicle testing are accessible. With testing centers nationwide, obtaining a test is straightforward and hassle-free, catering to both local and national needs efficiently.

Simple, Confidential Process

Ensuring an easy and confidential process in Johnstown, NY, hair follicle testing maintains privacy and simplicity from ordering to result reception, addressing any concerns about the ease or discretion of the testing procedure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Johnstown, NY, businesses appreciate the competitive pricing of hair follicle testing, combined with swift turnaround times. This combination delivers excellent value, aligning with the budgets of organizations, large and small.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Johnstown, NY, hair follicle drug tests are recognized for their speed and reliability. Their precision in detecting drug use is unparalleled, offering prompt, dependable results. Turnaround times are faster, ensuring that individuals and employers gain peace of mind quickly.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Johnstown, NY, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, as it ensures adherence to drug-free workplace standards. This method minimizes legal risks and plays a crucial role in workplace safety by discouraging drug use among employees.

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