Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has evolved into an effective method for identifying substance use. The growing hair strand captures biomarkers, providing a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs. When taken near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to 3 months for alcohol and other substances. The process of hair collection is straightforward, with low risk of tampering, and it is easy to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, approximately 200 strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil width) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is ideal for analysis. For EtG or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is preferred. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for accuracy. If scalp hair is not available, body hair can be used as an alternative. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key stages in processing a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary integration of a sample into a lab system. This step ensures the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data that isn’t covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an expedited evaluation for drugs. This cost-efficient step can eliminate drug usage in most samples; however, a confirmed positive result is necessary for legal validity. Secondary confirmation is required for any Screening samples that test presumptively positive.
If Screening suggests a positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for further analysis. Extraction is challenging in hair testing, as drugs are present at lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid).
Confirmation of a positive screen utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation where applicable. The complete lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the term "hair follicle tests", it is the hair strand being tested, not the scalp's hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in New Scotland, NY
The benefits of hair testing surpass those of traditional urine testing considerably. Hair follicle tests provide superior detection accuracy, making them a more reliable choice. Unlike urine tests, they offer a broad window for discovering substance use, addressing both historical and recent abuses effectively in New Scotland, NY.
Extended Detection Window in New Scotland, NY
An impressive feature of hair follicle drug tests is their ability to detect drug use over an extended period, spanning up to 90 days. This capability offers employers a comprehensive insight into an applicant's or employee's substance history, ensuring informed decision-making in New Scotland, NY.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in New Scotland, NY
Hair follicle tests notably reduce the risk of tampering and sample adulteration. Delivering unequivocal results, these tests provide New Scotland, NY, employers with the reliable data needed to maintain confidence in their drug testing procedures, safeguarding the integrity of their operations and policies.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in New Scotland, NY
With our extensive network of testing centers, including those in New Scotland, NY, we ensure the convenience of accessing our services nationwide. This accessibility means quick, stress-free, and seamless testing experiences, no matter where you are.
Simple, Confidential Process in New Scotland, NY
Our process for ordering and receiving results is both simple and confidential. For those in New Scotland, NY, this guarantees a smooth experience from start to finish, addressing privacy concerns effectively and ensuring the ease of use that our clients value.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in New Scotland, NY
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times make our services accessible to businesses of all sizes in New Scotland, NY. The combination of cost-effectiveness and expedited results offers excellent value, ensuring satisfaction and peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in New Scotland, NY
When it comes to detecting substance use, hair follicle testing stands out for its precision and speed. These tests are able to accurately identify substance use, offering an unparalleled accuracy that is invaluable for a variety of needs. With quick and dependable results, businesses and individuals in New Scotland, NY, can rely on them for critical information.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in New Scotland, NY
By incorporating hair follicle testing, employers in New Scotland, NY, can assure compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This reduces potential legal risks significantly and fosters a safer work environment. The peace of mind that comes with meeting policy requirements is invaluable for any organization.
