Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a prolonged history of such substances by embedding biomarkers within its strands. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeline of up to 3 months for drugs and alcohol. It is straightforward to obtain, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG tests and those beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be utilized. The term “head hair†specifically pertains to scalp hair, whereas “body hair†includes other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test laboratory procedure encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial intake phase of a sample within a lab's system. This process verifies correct sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry necessary beyond that provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial rapid assessment for drugs of misuse. While economical for excluding drug use in most samples, positive screens must be confirmed to hold up legally. Samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample exhibits a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirming positive screens is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed prior to confirmation as necessary. The full lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated based on the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," this test actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Norwood, NY
Hair follicle testing offers undeniable benefits over traditional urine tests. Notably, it provides a more reliable detection method with superior accuracy. While urine tests only reveal recent drug use, hair tests deliver a broader detection timeframe. This comprehensiveness makes them invaluable for organizations in Norwood, NY seeking dependable drug screening options.
Extended Detection Window in Norwood, NY
With its extended detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing offers an unparalleled view into an individual’s substance history. This thorough assessment is invaluable for employers aiming to make informed decisions on current or prospective employees’ drug use, ensuring a drug-free workplace in Norwood, NY.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Norwood, NY
One of the foremost advantages of hair follicle tests is their resistance to tampering. Once collected, hair samples are nearly impossible to adulterate, ensuring that results are both reliable and indisputable. This security makes hair testing in Norwood, NY a favored choice among employers looking to maintain rigorous testing standards.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Norwood, NY
Our expansive network of testing locations ensures that accessing hair testing services is fast, simple, and free of hassle. This nationwide reach guarantees that individuals and companies in Norwood, NY have quick and easy access to our reliable testing centers.
Simple, Confidential Process in Norwood, NY
The hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From scheduling to obtaining results, every step is optimized to prioritize privacy and simplicity. Customers in Norwood, NY can rest assured knowing their sensitive information remains secure and the process is user-friendly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Norwood, NY
With our competitive pricing and rapid result processing, hair follicle testing offers exceptional value to businesses of all sizes. Companies in Norwood, NY can benefit from cost-effective services without sacrificing quality or speed, ensuring they receive unparalleled testing value and quick responses.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Norwood, NY
Hair follicle testing stands out due to its rapid and accurate results. This precision not only detects a wide range of substances but also provides peace of mind with its reliability. Unlike other methods, hair testing minimizes false results, affirming its role as a dependable choice for drug testing in Norwood, NY.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Norwood, NY
By implementing hair follicle testing, employers can assure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, drastically cutting down on legal concerns, and fortifying workplace safety. This peace of mind extends beyond compliance, fostering a healthier, more productive environment in Norwood, NY.