Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When acquired near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a 3-month detection period for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat hard to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
A 1.5-inch section containing approximately 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It is suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is missing, an equivalent amount of body hair may be collected. When mentioning head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning incorporates the initial handling of a sample into the lab's system. This involves confirming the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not furnished by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient method to negate drug use for the majority of samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening do demand a secondary confirmation.
When a sample is preliminarily positive in the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. In the Extraction phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at a considerably lower concentration than other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminary positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as warranted. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated 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: While often termed "hair follicle tests", the test actually evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lake Carmel, NY
Hair tests surpass traditional urine tests due to their superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine testing is limited by a shorter detection period, hair follicle tests offer enhanced precision and a longer window, making them a more dependable choice for employers.
Extended Detection Window in Lake Carmel, NY
Hair follicle testing provides a comprehensive look into drug use history, detecting substances up to 90 days prior. This extended window equips employers with detailed insight into applicants or employees' substance use patterns, surpassing the limitations of standard tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lake Carmel, NY
Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering, ensuring reliable and indisputable results. This method's stringent sample integrity measures provide confidence in the authenticity of test results, reducing the likelihood of interference from outside agents.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lake Carmel, NY
With our extensive network of nationwide testing centers, accessing testing services is quick, easy, and hassle-free. This convenience is complemented by local options in Lake Carmel, allowing for seamless integration into employer safety programs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lake Carmel, NY
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and maintains confidentiality from start to finish. By simplifying ordering, testing, and results retrieval, we address privacy concerns while ensuring an effortless experience for all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lake Carmel, NY
We offer competitive pricing structures coupled with rapid turnaround times, making hair follicle testing accessible and valuable for businesses of all sizes. Our commitment to affordability ensures companies gain the assurance needed without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lake Carmel, NY
Hair follicle drug tests deliver swift and reliable outcomes, demonstrating unparalleled precision in substance detection. This method offers rapid screening while maintaining high accuracy, essential for timely decision-making and ensuring a safe, drug-free environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lake Carmel, NY
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies and reduces legal liabilities. By integrating this testing method, employers can enhance workplace safety and maintain peace of mind through reliable testing protocols.
