Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for detecting the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers. When obtained near the scalp, hair can provide a detection window for substances lasting up to roughly three months. It is easy to collect hair, not easily adulterated, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 strands of hair (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields about 100mg of hair, which is the optimum sample for screening and confirmation testing. For tests such as EtG, additional panels, and those exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. It is recommended to use a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, an equal quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, this only refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a lab’s workflow. This process confirms that the sample was sealed and shipped appropriately, assigns it a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any additional data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for the presence of drugs of abuse. Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most samples, but a positive result in Screening necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for further preparation in the Extraction phase. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from the hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most technically challenging methodology.
Confirmation of positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as appropriate. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the procedure analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Lackawanna, NY, hair follicle testing offers superior benefits over traditional urine tests in substance awareness. Hair testing proves more reliable due to its longer detection window and resistance to tampering, ensuring a more comprehensive evaluation. This method provides higher detection accuracy, catching substances missed by urine tests, making it a preferred choice for precise assessments.
Employers in Lackawanna, NY, gain a significant advantage with hair follicle testing due to its extended detection window. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, it allows for a thorough review of an applicant's or employee's substance history. This comprehensive visibility aids in making informed decisions on hiring or retaining employees, enhancing overall workplace safety and reliability.
Lackawanna, NY, sees reduced sample adulteration risks with hair follicle drug tests, offering a tamper-resistant alternative. Unlike other testing methods, these samples are difficult to substitute or alter, ensuring authentically reliable and credible results. This durability against tampering is a vital feature for maintaining rigorous drug-free policies and ensuring trust in the testing process.
Convenient testing services are available in Lackawanna, NY, as well as nationwide centers offering accessibility for hair follicle testing. Our network ensures that clients receive testing services with ease and efficiency, wherever they require them. This strategic accessibility facilitates quick testing procedures, ensuring minimal disruption while providing vital service coverage across many regions.
Experience a simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing in Lackawanna, NY. From the ease of ordering, through to discreet testing procedures and secure results delivery, we prioritize user privacy throughout the process. Addressing common privacy concerns, our streamlined services ensure a hassle-free experience for all involved, maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information.
We offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle testing in Lackawanna, NY. With an emphasis on affordable rates and quick results delivery, businesses of all sizes see value in our services. Our approach balances cost-effectiveness and efficiency, providing necessary security and peace of mind without straining company resources.
Fast and accurate results from hair follicle drug tests in Lackawanna, NY, continue to set industry standards. Known for their precision, these tests deliver quick and dependable results, identifying substances with high sensitivity and certainty. Their efficiency makes them invaluable to employers seeking to maintain a safe and compliant work environment, offering critical insights into individual substance history.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Lackawanna, NY, assures employers of workplace compliance and peace of mind. By adhering to drug-free workplace standards, companies minimize legal risks and promote a safe working environment. This comprehensive testing reduces potential liabilities, ensuring companies meet both legal obligations and internal policies effectively.
