Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair fibers capture biomarkers within the growing strand, offering a long-term account of substance use. When hair is taken close to the scalp, it can indicate alcohol and drug presence for up to three months. It's simple to gather, resilient against tampering, and facilitates easy shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hairs (comparable to a #2 pencil's girth) near the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for both screening and validation. For EtG extensions and tests beyond ten panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is suggested. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases in handling a drug test result in the lab encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with integrating a sample into a lab’s database. This phase involves ensuring the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and tending to any extra data input absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial swift assessment for drugs of abuse. Although cost-efficient for discarding drug presence in most samples, a positive result needs confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples showing potential positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
With a presumptive positive screening outcome, additional hair is extracted from the specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drug extraction from hair occurs at significantly lower concentrations compared to methods like urine or oral fluid, which elevates hair drug testing complexity.
Positive screening confirmations are executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Any samples identified as potentially positive undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the focus is on analyzing the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Marlboro, NY
Hair tests surpass traditional urine tests with their superior detection accuracy and reliability. The extended detection window offered by hair testing provides a more comprehensive view of drug use patterns, making it a preferred choice for employers enforcing zero-tolerance policies.
Extended Detection Window in Marlboro, NY
One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing is its ability to identify drug use over a longer timeframe, up to 90 days. This gives employers deeper insights into an individual's substance history than urine tests, offering a more detailed understanding of potential risks.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Marlboro, NY
Hair follicle tests significantly decrease the likelihood of sample tampering. The collection process is highly reliable, ensuring results that are accurate and uncontestable. This method deters attempts at adulterating samples, thus maintaining the integrity of the test.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Marlboro, NY
With testing centers spread across the nation, including local spots in Marlboro, accessing hair follicle testing services becomes straightforward. This network ensures a seamless, hassle-free experience, accommodating the needs of both businesses and individuals.
Simple, Confidential Process in Marlboro, NY
The process for hair follicle testing is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to result retrieval, every step ensures privacy. This helps alleviate concerns regarding personal data security and encourages broad use of testing services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Marlboro, NY
Hair follicle testing is competitively priced, offering fast results without compromising on quality. Businesses, regardless of size, appreciate the value provided by swift, cost-effective testing, which supports informed decision-making without budget strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Marlboro, NY
Hair follicle tests offer unmatched precision and speed in drug detection. Unlike traditional methods, these tests provide a quick and accurate assessment of substance use. Employers and individuals benefit from the high accuracy, allowing confident decisions regarding safety and compliance.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Marlboro, NY
Employers gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, as it supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By mitigating legal risks and enhancing safety, companies uphold regulatory standards, fostering a secure work environment.
