Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair can capture a comprehensive history of substance usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When hair is collected close to the scalp, it can offer a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for drugs and alcohol. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil), taken nearest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests that exceed 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to weigh the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If there's no scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When referring to head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four fundamental steps in laboratory processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial setup of a sample in a laboratory’s system. This process involves confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is an initial fast check for drugs of abuse. While screening is a cost-efficient manner to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for it to be valid in court. Samples that test presumptively positive in screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive in screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often known as "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair and urine testing, hair follicle tests in Kent, NY, showcase superior detection capabilities. Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests with a broader detection window and greater accuracy. This testing method provides a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance use, making it an invaluable tool for employers and legal entities seeking dependable and effective testing solutions.
Employing hair follicle testing in Kent, NY, allows employers to trace drug usage over an extended period of up to 90 days, far surpassing the reach of urine tests. This broader time frame gives a detailed view of an individual's substance habits, aiding employers in making informed decisions about potential hires or current employees, thereby mitigating risks effectively.
In Kent, NY, hair follicle testing is highly resistant to tampering. This robust testing method significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, providing reliable, incontrovertible results. Its design ensures sample integrity, offering peace of mind to employers who need trustworthy data to maintain their zero-tolerance substance policies and safeguard their workplace environment.
Our testing centers in Kent, NY, are part of a nationwide network, ensuring easy and convenient access to drug testing services. This extensive network facilitates quick and hassle-free testing experiences, underlining our commitment to accessibility and efficiency. With numerous testing sites readily available, we ensure testing services remain within reach for all.
In Kent, NY, our hair follicle testing process is designed with simplicity and confidentiality in mind. From ordering the test to receiving results, the process is straightforward and respects client privacy. We address privacy concerns effectively, ensuring a discreet experience that offers peace of mind while maintaining ease of use and reliability.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid results, our hair follicle testing services in Kent, NY, deliver exceptional value for companies of all sizes. The cost-effective nature of our services combined with fast turnaround times enables businesses to receive timely, reliable data without straining their budgets, contributing to overall operational efficiency and peace of mind.
In Kent, NY, hair follicle drug tests offer speedy and precise results. This high level of accuracy ensures reliable detection of substance use. Fast results allow for quick decision-making, which is crucial for maintaining safety and compliance. The process is efficient, providing dependable outcomes without delays, helping organizations maintain a drug-free environment effectively.
Ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free regulations is seamless with hair follicle testing in Kent, NY. This reliable testing method diminishes legal risks and enhances workplace safety, giving employers peace of mind as they uphold their organizational standards. Adopting hair testing helps to ensure a safe, compliant, and efficient workplace environment for all employees.
