Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized for its effectiveness, hair testing is a robust method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a roughly 3-month period of substance detection for drugs and alcohol. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is convenient.
A sample consisting of 1.5 inches and approximately 200 strands of hair (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp delivers 100mg, the optimal quantity for initial screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable portion of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair, whereas body hair refers to all other types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
There are four fundamental stages in laboratory analysis for drug testing: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This involves ensuring the sample is properly sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any missing information not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers a preliminary evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical way to eliminate drug presence in most samples, a positive result needs further confirmation to be court-eligible. Samples testing positive during Screening require additional verification.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original batch for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are pulled from hair at concentrations lower than other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), highlighting why hair drug analysis is the most challenging.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumed positive samples are cleansed before Confirmation as required. The complete lab progression from Accessioning to Confirmation is validated by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly mistaken as "hair follicle tests," the assessment actually examines the hair shaft and not the follicle within the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Pine Plains, NY: Hair testing surpasses urine tests in terms of detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which detect recent drug use, hair testing provides a broader insight into an individual's drug usage over an extended period, making it a preferred choice for employers.
Extended Detection Window in Pine Plains, NY: Hair follicle tests offer a unique advantage with a detection window extending up to 90 days. This lengthy timeframe allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s drug history, making informed decisions regarding hiring or continued employment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Pine Plains, NY: The integrity of hair follicle testing reduces the risk of sample adulteration. The method provides unquestionable results that stand up to scrutiny, ensuring that any attempt at cheating the test is easily detected, providing a reliable assessment of drug use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Pine Plains, NY: The widespread network of testing centers across the nation, including Pine Plains, makes accessing these services hassle-free. This extensive reach ensures that individuals can easily get tested without significant travel, aiding both employees and employers.
Simple, Confidential Process in Pine Plains, NY: Ordering and undertaking a hair follicle test is both simple and strictly confidential. From the test to the receipt of the results, the process is designed to ensure privacy and ease, addressing any privacy concerns from participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Pine Plains, NY: Our competitive pricing structure paired with fast turnaround times delivers excellent value. Companies, big or small, appreciate the combination of cost-effectiveness and quick service delivery, which enhances operational efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Pine Plains, NY: Hair follicle drug tests are lauded for their accuracy and speed in detecting substance use. Results are delivered swiftly, ensuring an applicant's or employee's status is determined without delay. The precision of the test helps in maintaining a drug-free environment in workplaces.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Pine Plains, NY: Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety. This testing method assures employers of a workforce that aligns with policy and standards.
