Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective instrument for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance use by capturing biomarkers within its strands. A sample taken near the scalp can reveal up to a 3-month timeline for alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for both preliminary and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for measuring is recommended. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in processing a drug test in a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary handling of a specimen in a lab's system. This phase involves confirming that the sample is sealed and transported correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any necessary additional data input that an electronic chain of custody system did not provide.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for substances of misuse. Although Screening is an economically efficient way to eliminate drug use for most samples, a verified positive screen is required for court acceptability. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For samples testing positively during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most complex methods to perform.
Confirmation of a positive screen result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples suspected as positive are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The whole lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen per CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the process examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests in Pelham, NY, the differences in detection accuracy and reliability are clear. Hair testing stands out with its ability to provide a more thorough examination of substance use. Beyond the brief windows that urine tests cover, hair analysis offers superior detection and is generally more reliable, making it an important choice for maintaining workplace integrity.
Employers in Pelham, NY, value the extended detection window provided by hair follicle testing. It can trace drug use up to 90 days prior, giving a comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance use history. This wider window for detection ensures employers have the necessary insight to make informed hiring and management decisions, enhancing workplace safety and reliability.
Hair follicle testing in Pelham, NY, significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering. The methodology behind hair testing ensures samples are untainted and results remain trustworthy. This tamper-resistant approach provides peace of mind to employers and institutions, knowing the test outcomes are accurate and beyond doubt.
Our widespread testing centers, including those in Pelham, NY, make accessing drug testing services a simple process. With numerous locations nationwide, individuals and companies can enjoy the convenience of quick and straightforward testing. This extensive reach ensures that no matter where you are, reliable testing services are always within reach.
The hair follicle testing process in Pelham, NY, is designed to be both simple and confidential, addressing common privacy concerns. From ordering the test to receiving the results, the process is straightforward, ensuring a stress-free experience for all parties involved, while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality.
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times are key highlights of our hair follicle testing services in Pelham, NY. Offering excellent value, these features make high-quality drug testing accessible to businesses of all sizes, ensuring they receive the best service without straining their budget.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Pelham, NY, are unmatched. These tests efficiently trace substance use, offering high accuracy. The results are not only swift but also comprehensive, aiding in precise analysis. In the fast-paced environment of Pelham, NY, these qualities make hair follicle testing an invaluable tool for employers prioritizing safety and efficiency in their workplace.
For employers in Pelham, NY, utilizing hair follicle drug testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks while enhancing safety. The assurance that all employees comply with these standards provides peace of mind, allowing a focus on productivity and workplace harmony without concerns over substance-related issues.
