Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers in the hair shaft, hair offers an extended overview of drug and alcohol use patterns. Sampling hair near the scalp can provide a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of approximately 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp supplies 100mg, which is the preferred amount for both initial testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler's scale is suggested for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for processing a drug test result in a lab involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the sample's preliminary processing into a lab's systems. This procedure verifies the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and carries out any extra data tasks not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. Though screening is an economical approach to rule out drug usage in most samples, any positive screen results must be verified for judicial acceptability. Samples indicating positive results in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample show tentative positive results in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from hair at a notably lower concentration when contrasted with other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening is a complex process.
For confirming any positive results from Screening, methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. All samples with provisional positive results undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The whole lab process from Accessioning through to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designated and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Pendleton Center, NY
Extended Detection Window in Pendleton Center, NY
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests provides employers with a robust view of an individual’s substance consumption over up to 90 days. This extensive history allows decision-makers to better understand an applicant or employee's substance use without the constraints of limited detection periods typical of other tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Pendleton Center, NY
Hair follicle testing is renowned for its tamper-resistance, offering security against sample adulteration. This ensures that the results remain reliable and indisputable, contributing significantly to the integrity of the testing process. The strict collection and analysis processes hinder fraudulent attempts.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Pendleton Center, NY
Our expansive network of testing centers simplifies accessing drug testing services quickly and seamlessly. With locations nationwide, including Pendleton Center, NY, you can easily locate a center nearby, ensuring testing is both hassle-free and efficient.
Simple, Confidential Process in Pendleton Center, NY
The hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and private. From ordering the test to receiving results, each step is efficiently managed to maintain confidentiality, assuaging concerns about privacy while ensuring ease of use for all users involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Pendleton Center, NY
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times offer excellent value for businesses of all sizes. These benefits, coupled with high-quality services, ensure companies receive necessary drug testing without undue financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Pendleton Center, NY
Hair follicle drug tests offer rapid and precise readings, ensuring high detection accuracy for substance use. The effectiveness of these tests is enhanced by advanced methodologies that bring speedy results without compromising reliability. The meticulous analysis involved in hair testing ensures that results accurately reflect substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Pendleton Center, NY
Employers benefit from the peace of mind that comes with hair follicle testing, knowing it helps maintain compliance with stringent drug-free workplace policies. Implementing this method safeguards against legal repercussions, enhancing workplace safety and cultivating a productive work environment.
