Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a formidable means for identifying the presence of drugs and alcohol. Hair serves as an extensive timeline for substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibrous structure of the hair as it grows. When extracted near the base, hair can allow for a detection period of up to around three months for both alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to collect, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.
A strand sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 hairs (similar in girth to a #2 pencil) from the root provides 100mg of hair, the ideal quantity for both assessment and verification. For EtG, supplementary, and/or tests above ten panels, a recommendation of 150mg of the sample is advised. It's advised to quantify the sample using a precision scale. If scalp hair is not an option, a comparable measure of body hair can be collected. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other categories (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in the lab involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning phase includes the entry of a sample into a lab's database. It includes making sure that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input lacking from an electronic chain of custody system.
The Screening phase includes an initial swift assessment for drug detection. Although Screening offers a budget-friendly method to exclude drug use across most samples, results that return positive need confirmation to be valid in a legal setting. Samples that show presumptive positivity in Screening demand an additional validation process.
In cases where a sample shows presumptive positivity during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than through other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening presents the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirming any positive Screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is carried out adhering to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is a misnomer as the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lancaster, NY
Comparing the advantages of hair testing with traditional urine tests reveals superior detection accuracy and reliability of hair follicle tests. Hair testing offers a comprehensive substance use history, which urine tests lack.
Extended Detection Window in Lancaster, NY
Hair follicle testing offers an extensive detection period, up to 90 days, enabling employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, allowing for more informed hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lancaster, NY
Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering, providing trustworthy and definitive results that cannot be easily manipulated.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lancaster, NY
Our vast network of nationwide testing centers guarantees that testing services are easily accessible, providing quick and hassle-free testing experiences.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lancaster, NY
The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving results is straightforward and confidential, alleviating any privacy concerns for individuals undergoing testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lancaster, NY
We offer competitive pricing structures coupled with rapid turnaround times, delivering excellent value and peace of mind for businesses of all sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lancaster, NY
Hair follicle drug testing stands out for its speed and precision, providing accurate detection of substance use. This testing method is known for its ability to deliver quick and reliable results that employers can trust.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lancaster, NY
Employing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal liabilities and promoting a safer work environment.
