Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering a long-term record of substance use as they grow. When taken from the scalp, hair samples can reveal drug and alcohol consumption over a span of around three months. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to send.
Taking a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands from the scalp (about the width of a #2 pencil) yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For advanced tests like EtG, add-ons, and tests over 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, body hair of a similar quantity can be gathered. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "Body hair" encompasses all other hair types like facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The key stages in laboratory processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary input of a sample into a lab's system. This involves checking the sample's seal and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not managed by an electronic custody system.
Screening performs an initial, rapid assessment for illicit substances. While Screening is a cost-efficient approach to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to stand up in court. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening necessitate a follow-up Confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair from the original sample is prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at far lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening a particularly challenging procedure.
Verification of any positive Screening finding is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before Confirmation, all samples with presumptive positives are cleaned as necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under both the C.A.P. (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing demonstrates superiority over traditional urine tests in Painted Post, NY. The main advantage lies in its exceptional ability to detect drugs with greater accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair samples provide a comprehensive history of drug use, making it challenging to evade detection. These qualities make hair follicle testing a preferable method for employers needing thorough substance checks.
The extended detection window is a marked advantage of hair follicle testing in Painted Post, NY, accommodating a review of up to 90 days. This feature enables employers to gain a detailed view of an individual's drug history, providing insights beyond the immediate past typically covered by urine tests. Such in-depth analysis supports employers in maintaining drug-free environments.
Hair follicle tests in Painted Post, NY showcase a tamper-resistant nature, reducing concerns about the integrity of the sample. This method effectively prevents sample adulteration, delivering unquestionable results. Its robustness against manipulation assures users of the authenticity of the test outcomes, which is critical in maintaining trust in testing processes.
Accredited Drug Testing in Painted Post, NY offers a vast network of convenient nationwide locations. Our facilities ensure that access to testing services is quick and hassle-free. Local testing centers across the country enable individuals to undergo necessary evaluations without inconvenience, underscoring the commitment to accessible testing solutions.
The process for hair follicle testing in Painted Post, NY is both simple and confidential. From ordering tests to receiving results, our service prioritizes privacy and ease of use. This simplistic approach alleviates concerns about confidentiality during the testing process, assuring clients of both effectiveness and sensitivity in handling their personal information.
Our service in Painted Post, NY is built on affordable pricing and fast turnaround. These elements ensure that businesses, regardless of size, receive great value for their investment. Quick and cost-effective testing solutions garner trust from employers while assuring them of the qualitative returns on the monetary expenditure.
In Painted Post, NY, hair follicle drug tests are known for delivering precise and speedy results. The high level of accuracy they provide is essential for detecting substance use, offering reliable data for decision-makers. This fast turnaround, combined with accurate outcomes, makes hair follicle testing a preferred choice for organizations requiring reliable drug screening solutions.
For employers in Painted Post, NY, hair follicle testing offers compliance and peace of mind. By incorporating this testing method, workplaces can ensure adherence to drug-free policies, diminishing legal risks. The certainty provided by hair follicle testing supports a safe and compliant working environment, critical for organizational integrity and safety.