Hair Follicle Drug Testing - New York Mills, NY

What it is, How it works

Utilizing hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When strands are taken from near the scalp, one can achieve a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

Securing a 1.5-inch hair strand sample, approximately 200 strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil), close to the scalp, results in about 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirming drugs. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a larger specimen of 150mg is advisable. It is preferable to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable volume of body hair may be used. When we speak of head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes other types, such as facial, axillary, etc.

Process Overview

There are four major phases in the lab analysis of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step of processing the sample into the lab system. This stage ensures the sample was securely sealed and transported, assigns a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any incomplete data entry from the electronic chain of custody.

Screening offers a preliminary and swift evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to eliminating drug usage in most cases, a positive result requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Any samples testing positive initially need subsequent verification.

When a sample is suspected positive at the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair in much smaller concentrations than other methodologies such as urine or oral fluid, establishing hair drug screening as the most complex to conduct.

Confirming a positive result from screening involves techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptively positive undergo a wash before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, falls under the scrutiny of both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and the ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage over a span of up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which offer a shorter detection duration.
• Increased difficulty to falsify: Due to the complexity of cheating a hair drug test, the results tend to be more reliable.
• Historical usage insight: It provides a timeline of drug use extending over months, compared to just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: Drugs only become identifiable in hair roughly 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Higher cost: Generally, hair drug tests incur greater expenses than alternative testing approaches.
• Result variability: Variables like hair color and individual differences in hair growth rates may influence metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: It’s important to note that although often called "hair follicle tests," the procedure actually assesses the hair strand itself rather than the follicle located beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Testing is Superior
In New York Mills, NY, hair follicle tests offer advantages over traditional urine tests by providing longer detection windows and reducing the risk of false negatives or tampering. This method is favored for its ability to offer a thorough history of drug use, up to 90 days, presenting a clearer assessment of an individual's substance use compared to the shorter detection period offered by urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Capabilities
Hair follicle testing is renowned for its ability to highlight drug use over extended periods, up to 90 days, making it a preferred choice in New York Mills, NY. This extended detection window allows employers to gain a full understanding of a potential hire or current employee's substance use history, offering a more comprehensive evaluation than shorter-term testing methods like urine testing.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Reduced Risk of Tampering
Hair follicle tests in New York Mills, NY, boast a robust defense against sample adulteration. These tests ensure the integrity of results due to the stringent nature of collection and analysis, making them a reliable resource in detecting true drug use without the risk of manipulation. This tamper-resistant feature ensures employers receive dependable, trustworthy results every time.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Nationwide Convenience
Offering a network of nationwide testing centers, including local sites in New York Mills, NY, ensures that hair follicle drug testing is convenient, quick, and stress-free for all seeking testing services. This extensive reach guarantees accessibility, allowing individuals and employers alike to benefit from comprehensive drug testing solutions without the hassle of extensive travel.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simplicity and Confidentiality
In New York Mills, NY, the hair follicle drug testing process is straightforward and discreet, from order through to results. Emphasizing simplicity, the entire procedure respects clients' privacy, addressing any possible concerns about confidentiality while maintaining ease of use. This seamless process makes it an appealing choice for those seeking unobtrusive yet effective drug testing solutions.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Value-Driven Pricing
Hair follicle drug testing in New York Mills, NY, offers competitive pricing structures coupled with expedient turnaround times. This ensures companies of all sizes can enjoy superior testing services that offer great value for money, reducing overhead costs while ensuring reliable and fast results are delivered, contributing positively to organizational efficiency and peace of mind.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Efficiency and Precision
In New York Mills, NY, hair follicle drug tests stand out due to their precise and swift approach in detecting substance use. They provide highly accurate results, ensuring reliable detection of drugs, which makes them a preferred choice over traditional testing methods. Employers benefit from a robust drug testing solution that combines speed with precision, crucial for maintaining workplace safety and standards.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Ensuring Compliance with Ease
By adopting hair follicle testing, employers in New York Mills, NY, can achieve compliance with drug-free workplace mandates effortlessly. This testing method minimizes legal exposure while enhancing workplace safety, ensuring peace of mind due to its thorough detection of past drug use and its innate resistance to manipulation, key in upholding company policies and standards.

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