Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair preserves a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. Hair obtained near the scalp can offer up to roughly a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, moderately challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmatory tests. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advisable. It’s suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be taken. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the laboratory assessment of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This process verifies that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data input not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entailed an initial rapid check for drug abuse. While Screening is an economical method to discount drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample be tentatively positive during the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentration levels than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Any positive screening result undergoes Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentative positive samples are thoroughly washed before confirmation, as required. The extensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is supervised under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lake Ronkonkoma, NY
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages in terms of detection accuracy and reliability. They provide a broader detection timeline and robustness against tampering, making them an ideal choice for employers with stringent drug policies and for cases where long-term substance use detection is crucial.
Extended Detection Window in Lake Ronkonkoma, NY
With the ability to reveal drug use over a period of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing offers employers invaluable insights into an individual's past drug use habits. This extended detection window is crucial for making informed hiring decisions and maintaining a drug-free workplace, making it an essential tool in modern HR and compliance strategies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lake Ronkonkoma, NY
Hair follicle tests stand out due to their resistance to tampering. Traditional tests are susceptible to various forms of sample adulteration, but hair samples provide results that are both reliable and nearly impossible to falsify, offering peace of mind regarding the integrity of the test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lake Ronkonkoma, NY
With testing centers spread nationwide, accessing our services is both convenient and hassle-free. Whether you're local to Lake Ronkonkoma or elsewhere, our strategically located centers make it easy to obtain the necessary testing, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lake Ronkonkoma, NY
Our hair follicle testing services are designed to be straightforward and discreet. Ordering a test, executing the process, and receiving results are kept simple, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use for all clients, maintaining confidentiality every step of the way.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lake Ronkonkoma, NY
Our commitment to providing value is evident in our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times. We cater to businesses of all sizes, ensuring that obtaining crucial drug testing services is both affordable and efficient, giving you results that meet your demands without stretching your budget.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lake Ronkonkoma, NY
When it comes to detecting substance use, nothing beats the precision and speed of hair follicle testing. Our testing centers are equipped to provide highly accurate results with a swift turnaround time, ensuring you get the necessary information without delay. Hair testing’s accuracy lends an understanding of a subject's substance history that's unmatched by other methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lake Ronkonkoma, NY
Implementing hair follicle testing in your workplace ensures compliance with drug-free policies. This method not only helps mitigate legal risks but also promotes a safer environment, assuring employers that their operations align with both internal standards and regulatory mandates.
