Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers of a growing hair strand can capture biomarkers, offering a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use. With close-to-scalp collection, hair provides a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat tamper-resistant, and simple to mail.
A 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands (approximately the girth of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, increments, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it’s advisable to use 150mg of the sample. It is best to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be collected. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis for a drug test comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails initial sample processing into a lab's system, ensuring proper sealing and shipment, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drug abuse. Although cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screening needs validation to be court-admissible. Any samples testing positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at considerably lower levels than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug analysis is challenging to conduct.
Confirmation of a positive screening is completed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation as required. The whole lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand and not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in New Suffolk, NY
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine analysis in multiple aspects, primarily due to its superior detection capabilities. The accuracy and reliability it offers ensure a more comprehensive understanding of substance use, thereby making it an invaluable tool for employers and other entities needing to maintain strict drug-free environments.
Extended Detection Window in New Suffolk, NY
The vast detection window of hair follicle tests, up to 90 days, provides organizations a detailed view of an individual's substance use history. Employers gain insights into applicants' or employees' past drug activities, allowing for more informed decisions in the hiring or monitoring processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in New Suffolk, NY
Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the potential for sample tampering. This method ensures the authenticity and validity of results, offering dependable evidence for employers and authorities seeking to enforce drug-free policies without the concern of adulteration.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in New Suffolk, NY
With testing centers available nationwide and locally in New Suffolk, NY, accessing hair follicle drug tests is both quick and straightforward. This widespread availability ensures that individuals and businesses can partake in testing services with minimal effort, making the process incredibly convenient.
Simple, Confidential Process in New Suffolk, NY
The procedure for ordering, administering, and obtaining results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and maintains confidentiality. This simplicity, combined with robust privacy measures, ensures that users find the process accessible and satisfying, keeping personal information protected.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in New Suffolk, NY
Our competitive pricing and rapid result delivery offer exceptional value for companies of various sizes. The cost-effectiveness coupled with swift processing times makes hair follicle testing an attractive option, balancing excellence in service with fiscal sensibility.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in New Suffolk, NY
Hair follicle drug tests provide undeniable precision and rapid results. Their accuracy in identifying substance use is unparalleled, making them a preferred choice for those requiring definitive evidence of drug consumption. The swiftness with which results are obtained further enhances their value in various settings.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in New Suffolk, NY
Employing hair follicle testing aligns organizations with workplace drug policies, reducing legal exposure and enhancing overall safety. It provides employers with the confidence that their workforce adheres to a drug-free standard, promoting a secure working environment.
