Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Plattsburgh, NY

What it is, How it works

The use of hair testing has emerged as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of growing hair strands, hair can chronicle a lengthy history of substance use. When cut near the scalp, it offers roughly a 3-month detection span for both alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and hassle-free to transport.

Obtaining a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest the scalp yields around 100mg of hair, deemed the perfect sample for both screening and validation. For tests such as EtG, supplemental, or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing is suggested. If scalp hair isn’t viable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. 'Head hair' specifically pertains to scalp hair, whereas 'body hair' encompasses other hair varieties (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Overview

There are four primary steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system, which includes verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completing any additional data not covered by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. While it is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for court acceptability. Any samples presumptively positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.

If a sample is assumed positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are derived from hair at a significantly lower concentration than found in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug screening.

Positive Screening results are confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Necessary washing of all presumptive positive samples occurs before confirmation. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use up to 90 days prior, unlike urine tests which offer a narrower window.
• Difficulty to cheat: The challenge in circumventing a hair drug test enhances the accuracy of results.
• Provides historical data: It portrays a timeline of drug use over a defined period, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs appear in hair approximately 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Cost: Generally, hair drug tests are pricier than alternative testing methods.
• Variations in results: Influences such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can impact drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually involves the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Plattsburgh, NY

Hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine tests through superior detection accuracy. While urine tests are limited, hair tests have broader capabilities to uncover substance use over extended periods. For employers in Plattsburgh aiming for efficient drug use detection, hair testing proves to be more reliable, offering insightful data over the conventional urine method, ensuring workplace safety.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Plattsburgh, NY

Hair follicle testing offers extended detection—up to 90 days. This prolonged period allows employers to gather a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use habits. In Plattsburgh, NY, this method provides a clear understanding of potential or current employees’ substance histories, thus aiding in thorough background checks and ensuring informed hiring decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Plattsburgh, NY

Hair follicle testing greatly minimizes sample tampering risks. Its reliable extraction and analysis protocols result in authentic, trustworthy outcomes. Unlike other testing techniques easily deceivable, this method holds significant integrity, making it a preferred choice for many institutions in Plattsburgh to secure accurate drug use records.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Plattsburgh, NY

Our numerous testing centers spread across the nation offer unmatched convenience. Residents of Plattsburgh benefit from easy access to local testing services. Eliminating hassle, our centers are optimally located to facilitate quick and efficient drug testing processes, catering to both individual and organizational needs seamlessly.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Plattsburgh, NY

The hair follicle testing procedure is straightforward and preserves confidentiality. This ensures the privacy and comfort of those involved. Ordering, undertaking, and obtaining results are seamlessly orchestrated, making it a preferred choice for testing in Plattsburgh. Users can rest assured of a private, unobtrusive experience throughout the process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Plattsburgh, NY

Our hair follicle drug testing is cost-effective, paired with quick turnaround times. Companies in Plattsburgh can confidently rely on us for unrivaled value and rapid outcomes. Our competitive pricing makes our testing services an appealing solution for businesses of varying sizes, ensuring they get excellent service without compromising quality or speed.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Plattsburgh, NY

The precision of hair follicle drug tests ensures prompt and reliable results in Plattsburgh. This method stands out for its high accuracy when detecting substance use. Designed to offer rapid results, these tests are now a standard in evaluating drug use history effectively. When seeking trustworthy testing in Plattsburgh, hair follicle assessments are the go-to option.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Plattsburgh, NY

Implementing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This reliable method helps mitigate legal issues, providing employers with assurance and effectively promoting workplace security. In Plattsburgh, this testing serves as a commitment to uphold organizational standards, keeping environments risk-free and compliant.

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