Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures markers in its strands, providing an extensive timeline of substance use. When cut near the scalp, it offers up to a three-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. It’s easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
A snip measuring 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 hairs (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil), yields 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmatory tests. For additional panels above 10 or tests like EtG, a 150mg sample is preferred. We advise using a jeweler's scale to measure the sample. If head hair is not available, a similar volume of body hair can be used. The term "head hair" is specific to scalp hair, while "body hair" refers to all other types (such as facial or underarm hair).
Process Overview
The key phases within the lab processing of a drug screening result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening carries out an initial rapid test for drugs. Although it's cost-efficient for deeming the majority of samples drug-free, any positive screen mandates confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples that test positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is taken from the collected sample for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are isolated from the hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug testing the most challenging to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screen is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS analyses. All samples that are presumptive positive undergo washing before confirmation as deemed necessary. The complete process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Commonly misnamed as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation actually involves the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing shines over traditional urine tests in North Valley Stream, NY by offering unmatched detection precision. Unlike urine tests that cover a shorter timeframe, hair tests provide extensive history up to 90 days, ensuring superior reliability. This prolonged detection period provides a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance usage, fortifying drug policies effectively.
With an impressive detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in North Valley Stream, NY gives employers a holistic perspective on an individual's substance consumption. This extended timeframe allows for observing past behaviors rather than just recent use, making it an invaluable tool in evaluating applicants and employees thoroughly.
In North Valley Stream, NY, hair follicle tests offer a robust defense against sample tampering. Unlike other testing methods, the nature of hair testing makes it exceedingly difficult to alter or dilute samples, ensuring the results remain reliable and incontrovertible. This reliability significantly reduces the risk of inaccurate results and maintains integrity.
Convenience is paramount at our testing locations throughout North Valley Stream, NY. Our nationwide network of testing centers offers quick, seamless access to reliable hair follicle testing services. Whether for pre-employment screening or routine checks, our strategic locations simplify the process, providing easy and stress-free service to all clients.
Our testing process in North Valley Stream, NY is designed to be straightforward and discreet. Ordering a hair follicle test is simple, and results are handled with confidentiality, addressing any privacy concerns. This seamless approach guarantees that testing and receiving results are as stress-free as possible, ensuring client peace of mind.
North Valley Stream, NY businesses benefit from our competitive pricing strategies and prompt turnaround times. With hair follicle testing offering excellent value, companies of all scales find budget-friendly options without sacrificing quality or reliability. Fast results enhance decision-making efficiency, supporting a timely, cost-effective drug testing program.
In North Valley Stream, NY, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their rapid and precise results. Acknowledged for their high-level accuracy, they effectively detect substance use, offering a reliable outcome. The swiftness with which results are delivered assures employers of timely decisions without compromising on precision, which is vital in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in North Valley Stream, NY ensures employers' peace of mind by upholding compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By decreasing legal liabilities and contributing to a safer working environment, hair testing stands as a preventative measure. The non-intrusive, systematic approach enhances both security and compliance.
