Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair drug testing is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of growing strands, providing a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and other drug usage. When sourced near the scalp, it offers a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for such substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for transportation.
Acquiring a 1.5-inch sample of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the girth of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, deemed optimal for both screening and confirmation. However, for EtG testing, enhancements, or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's beneficial to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equal quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically denotes scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (such as facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures for processing a drug test encompass four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves an initial incorporation of the sample into a laboratory’s system. This stage ensures the sample is properly sealed and shipped, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. While Screening is cost-efficient for excluding drug use across most samples, a positive result requires further confirmation to be legally valid. Samples appearing positive during Screening necessitate additional verification.
Upon obtaining a presumptively positive result in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for preparation during Extraction. Drugs are isolated from hair at markedly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity involved with hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is meticulously reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly dubbed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the strand itself, not the follicle located beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Penn Yan, NY
Hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine tests in several ways. They offer superior detection accuracy and reliability, largely because they cover a more extended detection window and are less susceptible to manipulation. Employers and entities seeking thorough substance use screenings often prefer this method over the more conventional urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Penn Yan, NY
Detection capabilities are significantly enhanced with hair follicle drug testing. Unlike urine tests, hair assessments can detect drug use over a prolonged period, up to 90 days, presenting a detailed overview of a person’s history with substances. This is particularly beneficial for employers who require comprehensive reviews of potential or current employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Penn Yan, NY
The robustness of hair follicle tests substantially reduces the risk of sample tampering. This testing method offers reliable and indisputable results, which is critical in environments where test integrity is of the utmost importance. The possibility of adulteration or manipulation is notably minimized.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Penn Yan, NY
With a network of testing centers located nationwide and locally, accessing hair follicle drug testing services becomes convenient and straightforward. Facilities are designed to offer quick, easy, and hassle-free testing, catering to both local residents of Penn Yan, NY, and those in other regions.
Simple, Confidential Process in Penn Yan, NY
The straightforward and private procedure for ordering, undertaking, and receiving test results addresses any privacy considerations clients may have. This ensures a seamless and discreet process for individuals seeking hair follicle drug testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Penn Yan, NY
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, hair follicle drug testing services provide excellent value. This allows businesses of all sizes to manage their substance screening processes efficiently and cost-effectively, ensuring peace of mind with each test conducted.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Penn Yan, NY
Hair follicle drug tests provide remarkable precision and speed. These tests have a high accuracy rate in identifying substance use, making them a reliable choice for both employers and individuals. The quick turnaround time allows for efficient decision-making processes, especially in urgent scenarios.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Penn Yan, NY
Adopting hair follicle testing ensures employers are aligned with drug-free workplace policies, greatly reducing legal risks and promoting a safe and compliant work environment. This peace of mind allows employers to focus on productivity rather than potential liabilities.
