Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as a robust method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. The structure of hair permanently captures biomarkers within the fibers of its growing strands, offering a comprehensive historical record of substance use. Collected near the scalp, hair samples can reveal the presence of alcohol and drugs for up to about three months. The process of hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp amounts to 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and validation. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is advocated. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If there is no scalp hair, equivalent body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, it strictly applies to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The four primary steps in the lab analysis of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is first processed into a lab's system. This stage ensures the sample is sealed and sent correctly, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and involves any extra data input that an electronic chain of custody system didn’t supply.
The Screening stage is a preliminary inspection for drugs, aimed at excluding drug use among most samples in a cost-effective manner. However, samples with positive screening must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening require additional confirmation.
Should a sample exhibit a positive indication during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from the hair at a much reduced concentration than methods like urine or oral fluids, making hair drug testing a particularly challenging process to conduct.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is accomplished through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The end-to-end lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and accredited by ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Whilst commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lattingtown, NY
Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering detailed detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which provide limited detection windows, hair tests can reveal drug use over prolonged periods. This makes them advantageous for employers seeking to uphold strict no-drug policies, as hair tests are less prone to manipulation and provide a clearer substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Lattingtown, NY
Hair follicle testing's capability to detect drug use over an extended period—up to 90 days—provides employers with a thorough view of an individual’s substance history. This extended window is crucial for assessing long-term patterns of use, granting employers the information needed to make informed hiring and disciplinary decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lattingtown, NY
Hair follicle tests are lauded for their resistance to tampering, significantly reducing sample adulteration risks. The integrity of these tests is maintained through observed collection processes, ensuring that results are reliable and verifiable. This tamper-resistant nature adds a layer of assurance for employers relying on accurate drug testing outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lattingtown, NY
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide makes accessing hair follicle drug testing services simple and convenient. With local and nationwide locations, timely testing services are always within reach, ensuring that users can easily meet their testing needs without unnecessary delays or complications.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lattingtown, NY
Our testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential, providing peace of mind for those concerned about privacy. From ordering a test to receiving results, each step is simple yet secure, ensuring that confidentiality remains a top priority in delivering accurate drug testing services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lattingtown, NY
We pride ourselves on offering competitive pricing structures alongside rapid test result turnaround times. This combination ensures excellent value for companies of all sizes, allowing them to implement reliable drug testing programs without breaking the bank or sacrificing result accuracy.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lattingtown, NY
Hair follicle drug tests are esteemed for their speed and accuracy in detecting substance use. This method allows for swift processing, delivering reliable results that employers and individuals can trust. The precision of hair testing ensures that even trace amounts of drugs are detected, providing a comprehensive assessment of a user's substance intake.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lattingtown, NY
Implementing hair follicle testing helps employers comply with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and bolstering safety. This method provides peace of mind by ensuring accurate and indisputable results, fostering an environment of trust and safety for both employees and employers.
