Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as a valuable method, hair testing effectively identifies the use of substances such as drugs and alcohol. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When clipped near the scalp, hair can indicate drug or alcohol use over a span of nearly three months. The collection process for hair samples is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and they can be transported effortlessly.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, roughly equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil and consisting of around 200 strands, yields about 100mg, optimal for both initial testing and subsequent confirmation. However, for situations involving EtG, added elements, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's best to measure the sample weight precisely using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a correlating amount of body hair can be substituted. The term 'head hair' denotes scalp hair exclusively, while 'body hair' encompasses all other types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
Four primary phases comprise the lab processing of drug test outcomes: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is incorporated into a laboratory's database. This step ensures the sample is properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data input not covered by electronic custody systems.
Screening provides a rapid preliminary assessment for drug presence. Although economically efficient for discounting drug use in most samples, a confirmed positive screening is essential for legal admissibility. Any samples yielding a provisional positive result during Screening demand further validation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for further processing in Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluids, making hair drug screening notably complex.
Positive screening confirmations proceed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples showing provisional positivity undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed in line with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently referred to as "hair follicle tests", this test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Menands, NY
In Menands, NY, the clear advantage of hair follicle testing over urine tests is evident. Hair testing offers superior accuracy and reliability, detecting substances long after usage. Unlike urine tests, which may only reveal drugs used days prior, hair analysis provides a 90-day detection period, ensuring a more comprehensive screening and adherence to zero-tolerance policies.
Extended Detection Window in Menands, NY
Hair follicle testing in Menands, NY, revolutionizes substance detection with its prolonged window of up to 90 days. This extended period allows employers to see a comprehensive history of an individual's drug use. Ideal for pre-employment screening, this method gives employers the security of knowing a candidate's sustained behavior over months, rather than days.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Menands, NY
One of the main strengths of hair follicle drug testing is its resistance to tampering. Unlike other methods, which can be compromised, hair tests offer results that are both reliable and difficult to invalidate. In Menands, NY, employers benefit greatly from this assurance, knowing that the outcomes reflect an individual's true substance use history, free from external interference.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Menands, NY
Testing convenience is key, with numerous accessible centers available nationwide and locally in Menands, NY. This network allows individuals and employers to schedule and perform hair follicle tests quickly and easily. With minimal hassle, the broad reach ensures seamless access to high-quality drug testing services whenever needed.
Simple, Confidential Process in Menands, NY
In Menands, NY, our hair follicle testing process stands out for its simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering tests, attending appointments, and receiving results is streamlined, ensuring privacy is respected at every stage. This straightforward approach eases personal concerns while maintaining the utmost confidentiality throughout the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Menands, NY
Competitive pricing and swift turnaround make hair follicle testing an ideal choice in Menands, NY. This affordable option provides substantial value, enabling businesses of any size to perform comprehensive drug tests. The balance of cost-effectiveness and rapid results ensures that companies can maintain safe environments without compromising on budget.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Menands, NY
Hair follicle testing is fast gaining prominence due to its precision and reliability. With the ability to detect even minute traces of drug use, these tests surpass traditional methods in providing detailed results. In Menands, NY, the quick turnaround time combined with high accuracy ensures that individuals and organizations receive dependable insights into substance use profiles.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Menands, NY
Employers in Menands, NY, find peace of mind using hair follicle testing to enforce drug-free workplace policies. This method of testing not only reduces legal risks but also boosts safety. By ensuring compliance, businesses can maintain a healthier work environment and uphold their policies with confidence, offering a worry-free approach to substance monitoring.
