Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a lengthy timeline of alcohol and drug use by securing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month period of detection for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is advised. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair can be obtained. "Head hair" strictly refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary processing of a sample within a lab's system. This phase ensures the sample was securely sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a quick preliminary check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result needs confirmation for court admissibility. Samples presumed positive during the Screening phase require additional confirmation.
For samples deemed presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair in concentrations much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing trumps urine testing in Point Lookout, NY by offering superior detection accuracy. Demonstrating reliability, it surpasses traditional urine tests by identifying drug usage over extended periods, making it the preferred option among employers and legal entities.
The reliability of hair testing is unmatched, especially when long-term substance use detection is necessary. It provides a clearer picture compared to urine testing, helping maintain drug-free environments effectively.
Point Lookout, NY employers benefit from the extensive detection window of hair follicle testing. This method captures drug use history up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance habits. This extended timeframe aids in assessing long-term drug usage patterns.
The capability of hair testing to survey up to three months of a user’s history is invaluable for employers concerned about consistent drug use. This extended observation helps in informed decision-making processes at the workplace.
In Point Lookout, NY, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant solution to drug testing. The nature of hair samples significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring results remain credible and unquestionable.
The reliability of hair testing is enhanced by its resistance to manipulation. This robust method ensures integrity throughout, providing test results that are trusted by employers and legal systems alike.
Our widespread network of testing centers, including those in Point Lookout, NY, offers seamless access to hair follicle testing. With locations nationwide, we ensure that testing services are both quick and convenient, meeting clients' needs efficiently.
The strategic placement of our testing facilities guarantees a hassle-free experience, allowing for easy access to necessary testing services wherever one might be located.
Point Lookout, NY residents experience a straightforward and private process for hair follicle testing. Ordering, testing, and result reception are simplified to respect user privacy and ensure ease of use, addressing all concerns effectively.
Our confidential process, from start to finish, highlights our commitment to user privacy. This simplicity facilitates a worry-free testing experience for all our clients.
In Point Lookout, NY, we provide competitive pricing for hair follicle testing, ensuring affordability with fast turnaround times. Our services deliver excellent value, accommodating businesses of various sizes, reinforcing budget-conscious decisions.
Our quick response and affordability make hair follicle testing a cost-effective solution, delivering rapid results without financial strain, supporting company goals efficiently.
In Point Lookout, NY, hair follicle drug tests are favored for their precision and speed. These tests provide high accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring reliable outcomes. The method offers rapid and dependable results, making it an effective choice for both employers and authorities.
Hair testing's swift process ensures timely reporting for all parties involved. Its high degree of precision ensures accurate detection, solidifying its standing as a trustworthy testing method in the area.
Employers in Point Lookout, NY gain peace of mind from hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method minimizes legal risks while boosting safety standards, creating a compliant and secure environment for everyone.
By adopting hair testing, organizations can confidently enforce their drug policies, leading to enhanced workplace safety and reduced liability risks associated with drug use.
