Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a lengthy history of drug and alcohol intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to three months for drugs and alcohol. Hair is straightforward to gather, quite challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp constitutes 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample weighing 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair may be collected. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The fundamental steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. It includes checking for proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any additional data input absent from an electronic chain of custody setup.
Screening entails a preliminary swift evaluation for substances of abuse. While it is economical for excluding drug use in the majority of cases, a positive screen necessitates validation to be permissible in legal settings. Samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
In cases where a sample shows presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluids), hence making hair drug screening the most complex to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are pre-washed before confirmation as per need. The whole laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Morrisonville, NY
Hair testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests, boasting superior detection accuracy and reliability. Its longer detection window allows for a more complete picture of an individual's drug use history, surpassing urine testing with its capacity to identify substance use over extended periods.
Extended Detection Window in Morrisonville, NY
Hair follicle testing can detect drug use for up to 90 days, providing a thorough view of an applicant or employee's substance history. This extended detection window enables employers to better assess long-term drug use patterns, offering a holistic perspective unavailable with shorter timeframe methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Morrisonville, NY
The robust nature of hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering, ensuring that results remain trustworthy and unquestionable. This resistance to adulteration helps maintain the integrity of test outcomes, providing peace of mind to those relying on accurate drug testing methodologies.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Morrisonville, NY
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide ensures swift, convenient access to hair testing services. Whether local or across the country, these locations offer hassle-free testing options, accommodating your needs with ease and efficiency in Morrisonville.
Simple, Confidential Process in Morrisonville, NY
The process for ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy and ease of use concerns. Clients can rest assured knowing their information is handled discreetly, streamlining the testing experience from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Morrisonville, NY
We offer competitive pricing structures coupled with rapid turnaround times, providing excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Our commitment to affordability and efficiency ensures clients receive top-quality testing services without compromising on speed or budget considerations.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Morrisonville, NY
Hair follicle drug tests provide swift and precise results, ensuring high accuracy in identifying substance use. Their ability to swiftly deliver reliable outcomes makes them an ideal choice for companies seeking comprehensive drug screening results quickly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Morrisonville, NY
Implementing hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks and enhancing safety. Employers benefit from assured compliance and the confidence that their drug testing protocols protect both employees and the workplace environment.
