Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair serves as a record of extended alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month window for detecting alcohol and substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, quite resistant to tampering, and convenient to ship.
A sample of 1.5 inches containing about 200 hair strands (roughly akin to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair can't be sourced, a comparable quantity of body hair can be utilized. When we mention head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four main steps in processing a drug test in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the lab system. It involves confirming the sample was properly sealed and shipped, allocating a random LAN (Laborary Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any extra data entry not incorporated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary quick check for substance abuse. Screening is cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, but a positive result must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples testing presumptively positive in the Screening phase require secondary confirmation.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive at the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for preparation in Extraction. At this point, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than seen in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is among the most intricate methodologies.
Confirmation of a positive screen is carried out with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed as needed before confirmation. The full laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently called "hair follicle tests," the test analyzes the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Ogdensburg, NY, hair follicle testing is setting a new standard by outshining traditional urine tests. These tests provide superior detection capabilities, allowing for a more accurate assessment of an individual's drug use history.
For employers in Ogdensburg, NY, hair follicle drug tests offer an extended detection window that greatly outstrips traditional methods. Capable of showcasing drug use history up to 90 days, these tests provide a comprehensive view needed for informed decisions.
In Ogdensburg, NY, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing offers employers a trustable solution, minimizing the chances of sample adulteration and ensuring credible results.
With convenient nationwide testing locations available including Ogdensburg, NY, there is no hassle in accessing professional hair follicle testing services that cater to your needs.
The process in Ogdensburg, NY, is both simple and confidential, focusing on ease of use and client privacy for hair follicle drug tests.
In Ogdensburg, NY, hair follicle testing offers affordable pricing with fast turnaround, making it an excellent value for companies of all sizes looking to manage substance testing economically.
If you're in Ogdensburg, NY, and looking for fast, accurate, and reliable drug testing, hair follicle tests are the way to go. These tests provide superior precision in detecting drug use and offer quick results that you can trust.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Ogdensburg, NY, provides compliance and peace of mind for employers by sticking with drug-free workplace standards, lowering legal risks, and promoting a healthier work environment.
