Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a historical record of drugs and alcohol by embedding biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair permits detection of alcohol and other drugs for up to 3 months. Collection is straightforward, adulteration is relatively challenging, and shipping is uncomplicated.
For optimal screening and confirmation, a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's width) nearest the scalp provides 100mg, which is the preferred sample size. For EtG, additional assessments, or tests involving more than 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precision in weighing the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s database. This step ensures the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigns a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any additional data required that wasn't provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage for most samples, to be valid in court, a positive screen must be confirmed. Samples showing preliminary positive results in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and is then prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at far lower concentration levels compared to alternative procedures like urine or oral fluid testing, thereby making hair drug screening a notably challenging method.
Verification of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review in accordance with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and fulfills the requirements of ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in North Creek, NY surpasses urine testing in several ways. It offers improved detection accuracy, allowing for greater reliability in results. While urine tests are commonly used, the deeper analysis provided by hair testing gives a more comprehensive overview of substance use over time, making it a preferred choice for many organizations.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in North Creek, NY provides an extended window of drug detection—up to 90 days. This offers employers an extensive overview of an individual's substance use history, aiding in making well-informed hiring or employment decisions. Hair testing helps uncover patterns of use that other tests may miss.
In North Creek, NY, hair follicle testing offers an antitampering advantage, significantly lowering the risk of sample adulteration. By analyzing a stable sample type such as hair, organizations can rely on received results, fostering trust with both employers and employees while ensuring authenticity in testing outcomes.
North Creek, NY residents benefit from our widespread testing locations. With an extensive network nationwide, undergoing a hair follicle drug test has never been more accessible. This convenience assures individuals and companies of swift and simplified access, eliminating unnecessary delays in obtaining necessary testing services.
The procedure for hair follicle testing in North Creek, NY is both simple and confidential. We prioritize client privacy, ensuring that from ordering to receiving results, every step is secure and straightforward. Our methodology addresses concerns of confidentiality, providing peace of mind with an efficient testing experience.
At Accredited Drug Testing in North Creek, NY, we offer competitive pricing and swift turnaround times. This ensures our services are accessible to companies of all sizes, delivering high value through affordable options and prompt delivery of results, thus empowering informed decision-making with minimal delay.
The precision of hair follicle drug testing in North Creek, NY is unmatched. Our methods deliver rapid yet accurate results, ensuring that any substance use is easily detectable. The high accuracy of hair testing makes it an essential tool for employers and legal entities, giving them confidence in the reliability of the results produced.
Employers in North Creek, NY find peace of mind with hair follicle testing due to its compliance with drug-free policies. This method supports safety within the workplace while reducing potential legal risks. By incorporating hair testing into their protocols, businesses can enhance confidence in a transparent testing process.
