Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Regarded as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing offers a comprehensive timeline by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of strands as they grow. By collecting hair near the scalp, it can reflect drug and alcohol intake up to nearly three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to send for testing.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, perfect for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is advised. It is best to use a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, the equivalent volume of body hair is a suitable alternative. By head hair, we mean solely scalp hair whereas body hair encompasses all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result primarily involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is processed into a lab's system. This step includes confirming the proper seal and shipment of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional information not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary, rapid evaluation for the presence of abused substances. Though screening provides a cost-efficient approach to rule out drug use for most samples, any positive screening result requires confirmation to be legitimate for court proceedings. Any samples testing presumptively positive during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positivity at the Screening stage, more hair is taken from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to perform.
Confirmation of any screening that returns positive results is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed when necessary before confirmation. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, complies with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed 'hair follicle tests,' the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing stands superior to urine tests in Pine Bush, NY due to its unparalleled accuracy and reliability. While traditional urine tests provide short-term detection, hair testing covers a more extended period, enhancing its capability to detect substance use with greater certainty.
The broad detection window of hair follicle testing in Pine Bush, NY extends up to 90 days, offering employers a thorough insight into an individual's substance use history. This long-term view is invaluable for making informed employment decisions, ensuring a drug-free workplace.
Hair follicle testing in Pine Bush, NY, offers a robust defense against sample tampering. The inherent design of the test makes it highly resistant to adulteration, providing results that are both reliable and indisputable, building trust in the testing process.
Our vast network of nationwide testing centers, including Pine Bush, NY, ensures testing services are readily accessible and hassle-free. This convenience promotes a seamless testing experience, allowing easy access to necessary testing locations without delay.
In Pine Bush, NY, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and private. From ordering to obtaining results, the process maintains confidentiality, alleviating privacy concerns while ensuring ease and comfort for all involved.
Competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Pine Bush, NY deliver exemplary value. Companies, regardless of size, can enjoy peace of mind through economical solutions and fast results, catering to their varied needs efficiently.
In Pine Bush, NY, the precision of hair follicle drug tests is unmatched. These tests are known for delivering fast and accurate results, characterized by their high accuracy in detecting drug use. This level of precision is critical for both employers and individuals seeking clarity and certainty in testing outcomes.
Employers in Pine Bush, NY can find solace in the compliance achieved through hair follicle testing. This testing method supports drug-free workplace policies, mitigates legal risks, and boosts safety, thereby offering peace of mind to those enforcing these mandates.
