Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it offers an approximate three-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken near the scalp yields 100mg, an optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a collection of 150mg is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample on a jewelry scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When referring to head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial entry of a sample into a lab’s system. This step involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid examination for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient technique to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples positive in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are drawn from hair at a much lower concentration than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in North Ridge, NY, the former emerges superior in terms of accuracy and reliability. Hair testing offers a broader detection window and improved precision, which cannot be easily manipulated compared to urine samples. These tests serve effectively in detecting substance use, offering a compelling alternative to traditional methods.
Employers in North Ridge, NY, benefit from hair follicle testing due to its extensive detection window. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, this method provides analysts with a detailed view of substance habits. Such comprehensive insight aids employers in making informed hiring or retention decisions by understanding an individual's drug history.
In North Ridge, NY, hair follicle tests are recognized for their robustness in providing tamper-resistant results. The nature of these tests significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, delivering trustworthy and irrefutable outcomes. This reliability stands in stark contrast to other testing methods that are more vulnerable to manipulation.
The convenience of having numerous nationwide testing centers, including those in North Ridge, NY, ensures a streamlined experience for individuals and businesses alike. This access facilitates swift and efficient testing processes, minimizing hassle and making the health and safety measures more accessible and straightforward for everyone involved.
The process of undertaking a hair follicle test in North Ridge, NY, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to acquiring results, the seamless procedure guarantees privacy and eases concerns of intrusive practices. Individuals and organizations are assured of a secure and efficient experience.
In North Ridge, NY, affordable pricing coupled with fast turnaround times positions hair follicle testing as a value-driven choice for businesses of varied scales. The competitive costs tied with quick results enhance the attractiveness of these services, providing both financial and operational benefits to companies seeking efficient drug screening options.
In North Ridge, NY, the efficiency of hair follicle drug tests stands out. These tests swiftly produce results that are accurate, ensuring timely and reliable detection of substances. Employers and individuals can trust the fast processing times which deliver precise results, aiding in quick decision-making and ensuring adherence to substance policies.
Utilizing hair follicle drug tests in North Ridge, NY, allows employers to uphold compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This approach not only minimizes legal threats but also enhances the overall safety of the work environment. Employers gain peace of mind knowing that they maintain consistent adherence to necessary regulations.
