Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying substance use. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drugs by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair offers an approximate three-month detection period for both alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to obtain, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hairs (similar to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for testing and validation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample quantity of 150mg is advised. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, a similar amount of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we are specifically talking about scalp hair. Body hair includes all other forms of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in the lab handling of a drug screen are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s system, confirming it was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data requirements absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial swift test for drugs. While Screening is cost-effective for eliminating drug consumption in most samples, any positive findings need validating to hold up in court. Samples that are initially positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original batch and set for Extraction. During this phase, drug compounds are isolated from hair at a far lower concentration than in other methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methods to execute.
Validation of any screening-positive result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab operation from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Palisades, NY, presents distinct advantages over urine tests, offering sharper accuracy and dependability. This method unveils even slight drug traces over a prolonged period while maintaining stringent reliability standards. Traditional urine tests fail to rival the extensive evidence collected through hair sampling.
In Palisades, NY, hair follicle testing is distinguished by its capability to reveal drug use over an extended timeframe, up to 90 days, offering employers a thorough perspective on an individual's past substance use. This opens a window to a person's drug history that far exceeds short-term detection methods.
One significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Palisades, NY, is its resistance to tampering. This testing method virtually eliminates risks of sample adulteration, ensuring that results gathered are trusted and legal dilemmas are avoided.
With a broad network of testing centers in Palisades, NY, and across the nation, Accredited Drug Testing provides a convenient, accessible platform for individuals and employers to initiate drug testing. Our strategically placed facilities enable swift, trouble-free services, making drug testing straightforward and effective.
In Palisades, NY, initiating and receiving results from a hair follicle testing is seamless and private. The process safeguards confidentiality, ensuring client details remain secure, easing privacy concerns.
Our hair follicle testing service in Palisades, NY, combines competitive pricing and swift outcome delivery, assuring companies receive excellent value and efficient results. This provides peace of mind for organizations seeking cost-effective drug screening solutions.
The hair follicle drug tests conducted in Palisades, NY, epitomize speed and accuracy in substance detection. They deliver consistent, reliable results which are crucial for employers seeking to uphold drug-free workplaces. The precision offered surpasses traditional methods, efficiently unveiling evidence of drug use.
Employers in Palisades, NY, benefit significantly from hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free protocols and fostering a safer work environment. By employing this method, organizations reduce legal liabilities and improve workplace safety.
