Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair acts as a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers in the strands of the hair as it grows. When cut near the scalp, hair can reveal drug or alcohol use for a period of up to about three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, containing roughly 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken near the scalp offers 100mg of hair, an optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or testing more than 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It's recommended to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair can't be sourced, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in the laboratory process for drug test analysis: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This stage includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, creating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. While it is a more economical method to eliminate drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screening must be validated for courtroom relevance. Any samples deemed preliminarily positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample shows preliminary positive results during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction process. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples showing preliminary positive results are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the standards of ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Newstead, NY, hair follicle testing is proving to be a superior alternative to traditional urine testing methods. Its accuracy and reliability offer a longer detection window, providing a more comprehensive view of substance use. Employers favor this meticulous approach since it highlights instances that urine tests might overlook, ensuring stricter adherence to drug-free policies.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Newstead, NY, is one of its strongest assets. Employers gain a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's history by detecting drug use over a span of up to 90 days. This comprehensive insight significantly aids decision-making in the hiring and employee management processes, contributing to a safer working environment.
Newstead, NY, benefits from the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing. This method significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering, delivering results that are dependable and incontestable. By minimizing environmental contamination and human interference, hair testing ensures that employers can trust the integrity of the results, solidifying the security of their drug screening processes.
Newstead, NY, offers the convenience of broad access to our nationwide hair testing centers. Our extensive location network ensures prompt and straightforward testing services, enhancing accessibility for all clients. Whether in rural or urban settings, our presence guarantees ease of testing, making it a problem-free experience for participants.
The process for hair follicle testing in Newstead, NY, is both simple and confidential. Our streamlined ordering, testing, and result delivery procedures, prioritize user privacy, addressing any confidentiality concerns. This clarity ensures ease of use, ensuring that participants can navigate the process without hassle or fear of privacy violations.
In Newstead, NY, our hair follicle testing is characterized by competitive pricing and rapid result delivery. We offer excellent value with a model tailored for businesses of varying scales. Clients appreciate our affordability, making it a practical choice, while the swift turnaround times ensure timely access to critical information, strengthening decision-making processes.
In Newstead, NY, hair follicle drug tests deliver results that are both swift and highly precise. These tests distinguish themselves through their reliable detection of various substances, offering peace of mind to employers and individuals alike. This method not only ensures accuracy but also rapid reporting, significantly reducing the waiting period for results.
Opting for hair follicle testing in Newstead, NY, offers significant compliance advantages for employers. It reinforces adherence to drug-free workplace policies, thus reducing legal liabilities and bolstering workplace safety. This testing method provides peace of mind, ensuring employers fulfill regulatory requirements while enhancing the reliability of their workforce.
