Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now widely regarded as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair offers nearly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and substances. It is easy to collect, relatively difficult to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample containing approximately 200 strands (similar to a #2 pencil thickness) nearest to the scalp yields about 100mg, which is the optimal sample for initial screening and confirmatory testing. For tests including EtG, add-ons, and those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. When scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hairs).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result mainly involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step of integrating a sample into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional required data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening quickly assesses samples for drug abuse indicators. Though it provides a cost-effective way to exclude drug use for most samples, any positive screen must be verified to be court-admissible. A positive screen necessitates a secondary confirmation.
For samples that test presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug testing the most complex methodology to execute.
Verification of any positive screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples with presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation as required. The full lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and is compliant with the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: The test often termed as "hair follicle test" examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Mechanicstown, NY
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection capabilities. The accuracy and reliability of hair tests make them a preferred choice for employers and professionals seeking detailed and extensive drug use histories.
While urine tests are more commonly used, they lack the long-term detection benefit that hair follicle tests provide. Hair testing reveals substance use over a more extended period and remains unaffected by short-term cleanses, ensuring more trustworthy results.
Extended Detection Window in Mechanicstown, NY
Hair follicle tests allow for up to 90 days of drug use detection, offering a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history. This extended timeframe gives employers insight into past behaviors, crucial for assessing potential risks or compliances.
The lengthy detection window for hair tests offers detailed insight into an applicant's or employee's substance use. With a timeframe spanning three months, employers can make more informed decisions, enhancing the safety and integrity of their teams.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Mechanicstown, NY
Hair follicle testing's tamper-resistant nature significantly reduces risks of sample adulteration, offering reliable and clear results. The observed collection process prevents manipulation, ensuring that every test result reflects genuine substance use history.
Given its method of sample collection, hair follicle testing is nearly impossible to cheat. Unlike other tests that might be compromised, hair tests provide assured integrity and veracity in the findings, offering authentic and trustworthy insights.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Mechanicstown, NY
Our extensive network of nationwide testing centers guarantees that everyone in Mechanicstown has easy access to reliable testing services, ensuring quick and hassle-free drug and alcohol screening solutions.
Testing is made convenient with easily accessible locations across the nation and locally in Mechanicstown, NY. Whether for pre-employment or compliance checks, our centers offer efficient and straightforward services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Mechanicstown, NY
The hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, our streamlined system ensures user privacy and ease, addressing concerns while offering comprehensive support.
Our approach to hair follicle testing prioritizes privacy and ease of use. We ensure every step, from test initiation to result delivery, maintains high confidentiality standards, providing peace of mind.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Mechanicstown, NY
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle tests, delivering value and peace of mind essential for businesses of all sizes across Mechanicstown, NY.
Our cost-effective testing solutions deliver significant results quickly. The swift turnaround ensures businesses can operate smoothly without delay, maintaining productivity and confidence in drug screening protocols.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Mechanicstown, NY
Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and speed in detecting substance use. This testing method is noted for its high accuracy, providing consistent and trustworthy results that ensure informed decisions for employers and individuals alike.
Efficiency and rapidity define hair follicle testing in Mechanicstown, NY. From the moment the sample is collected to delivering results, the process is streamlined and fast, without compromising accuracy. This ensures timely and reliable results every time.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Mechanicstown, NY
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps maintain a drug-free workplace, reducing legal risks associated with non-compliance. Employers benefit from assured compliance with policies while enhancing workplace safety and reducing liability.
Employing robust drug testing methods like hair follicle testing provides employers peace of mind. Knowing they are compliant with local drug policies, they avoid potential legal issues, ensuring a safe and productive work environment.
