Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair strands offer an extended timeline of alcohol and drug consumption by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers as the hair grows. When sampling close to the scalp, hair can reflect a detection period of up to around three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and facilitates easy transportation.
A sample size of 1.5 inches containing approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) from nearest the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG analysis, additional testing, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the hair specimen is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair specifically indicate scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types, including face and underarm.
Process Overview
The principal stages in the laboratory processing of drug test outcomes include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is processed into the laboratory system. This phase ensures that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, involves assigning a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entails completing any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening constitutes a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective strategy to discount drug usage in most samples, any positive results need confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Presumptive positive results from Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original batch and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), which explains why hair drug testing is the most complex approach.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcomes is done using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strands rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Milford, NY, hair follicle testing stands out against traditional urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests analyze drug use over a broader time frame, typically up to three months. This extended window offers a clearer picture, unlike urine tests that generally cover only a few days, providing employers with comprehensive data on substance use.
Employers in Milford, NY, benefit from the extended detection period provided by hair follicle tests. This approach effectively reveals drug use history up to 90 days, thus offering an in-depth look into an individual's past behavior. Such a prolonged detection window can be crucial for evaluating an applicant's or employee’s substance use patterns comprehensively.
In Milford, NY, hair follicle tests serve as a secure method that virtually eliminates the risk of tampering. This testing process ensures that the results are reliable and trustworthy, as individuals cannot easily alter or adulterate hair samples. The integrity of hair testing makes it a preferred choice for providing irrefutable substance use data.
In Milford, NY, accessing testing services is hassle-free due to our wide range of nationwide testing centers. This ensures that individuals and companies can experience convenient and quick access to hair follicle testing services without undue delay, making it easier to maintain compliance and meet requirements.
The process for ordering and taking a hair follicle test in Milford, NY, is streamlined and confidential. From the initial order to receiving results, every step ensures privacy and simplicity, addressing concerns about ease of use, and allowing individuals to engage in testing with confidence and discretion.
Accredited Drug Testing in Milford, NY, offers competitive pricing structures with fast turnaround times, making our services ideal for businesses of all sizes. Our affordable options combined with rapid result delivery provide excellent value and reinforce trust in maintaining a drug-free environment efficiently.
The hair follicle drug tests conducted in Milford, NY, are known for their speed and high precision. With a meticulous collection process, these tests provide quick and reliable results, guaranteeing detection of substance use with a high degree of accuracy. As a result, employers can trust the outcomes when making critical decisions about current or prospective employees.
Hair follicle testing in Milford, NY, helps employers comply with drug-free workplace policies. By adopting this testing method, businesses can minimize legal challenges and improve workplace safety. The extended detection and reliable results offered by hair tests ensure peace of mind by enforcing a zero-tolerance stance on drug use.
