Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a robust mechanism for identifying substance and alcohol usage. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by encasing biomarkers within the hair fiber strands. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer an estimated detection scope of around 3 months for detecting alcohol and drugs. It is effortless to collect hair, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) next to the scalp will provide 100mg, which is optimal for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments beyond ten panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest weighing the hair on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, body hair of equivalent mass can be gathered. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other variants (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The procedure for processing a drug test result in the lab comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the introductory processing of a specimen into the lab's system. This step encompasses verifying the specimen's proper sealing and shipment, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling any extra data details absent from the electronic custody chain.
Screening serves as a preliminary rapid evaluation for drugs of potential abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use for most samples, any positive results require confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples that yield presumptive positive results in Screening demand a secondary validation.
Should a specimen yield a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction preparation. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), showcasing why hair drug screening is regarded as a particularly challenging approach.
Confirmation of any positive outcome in the screening process is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples showing presumptive positivity undergo a thorough wash before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes review within the guidelines of both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though often dubbed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Morris, NY
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. The method is less prone to tampering, providing employers and individuals peace of mind with its dependable results. Unlike urine tests, hair testing unveils a longer history of substance use, making it a robust choice for thorough assessments.
Extended Detection Window in Morris, NY
The remarkable advantage of hair follicle testing lies in its capacity to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. Employers gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s substance history, allowing them to make informed decisions. This long detection window offers an unmatched view of past substance use behaviors.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Morris, NY
The hair follicle testing method significantly mitigates the risk of sample tampering, delivering reliable and unquestionable results. Its robust nature ensures the integrity of each test, maintaining the accuracy of results across diverse settings. This method provides an extra layer of trust in the detection process, unmatched by other testing methods.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Morris, NY
Our nationwide network of testing centers, including local sites in Morris, NY, offers quick and worry-free access to essential testing services. This expansive reach guarantees that individuals and organizations can readily find a nearby location, streamlining the testing process with unmatched convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Morris, NY
Our hair follicle testing method ensures a straightforward and confidential experience from order to result delivery. The process addresses privacy concerns, offering a reassuring ease of use for all participants, while confidentiality remains a top priority, ensuring peace of mind throughout the testing journey.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Morris, NY
With competitive pricing structures and swift turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services provide excellent value for organizations of all sizes. This approach supports businesses in maintaining budgetary confines while ensuring they receive rapid, reliable results, fostering confidence and peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Morris, NY
Hair follicle drug tests provide rapid and accurate detection of substance use, ensuring high precision in outcomes. These tests are remarkably efficient in delivering results, eliminating long waiting periods associated with other methods. Individuals and employers benefit from the swift turnaround, gaining timely insights into substance use patterns.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Morris, NY
Employers utilizing hair follicle testing align with stringent drug-free policies, thereby reducing legal pitfalls and enhancing workplace safety. This testing method ensures compliance with industry standards, providing a fortified approach to maintaining a drug-free workplace environment and fostering a sense of security.
