Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Potsdam, NY

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug use. Hair holds a historical record of these substances by capturing biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When collected near the scalp, it offers about a three-month detection period for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (approximate diameter of a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides 100mg, the optimum sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is suggested. We advise weighing the hair specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. When we mention head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair includes any other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning covers the initial processing step where a sample is entered into a laboratory's system. It involves checking that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a budget-friendly method to discount drug usage for most samples, a positive screen still requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.

If a sample shows presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and readied for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are pulled from hair at far lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluids), making hair drug testing a more intricate process.

Positive Screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Each presumptive positive sample is washed before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and meets ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, as opposed to urine tests which provide a shorter detection timeframe.
• Cheating is improbable: Successfully cheating a hair drug test is nearly impossible, ensuring more reliable results.
• Records past usage: It gives a historical pattern of drug use over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Recent use undetectable: It usually takes between 5-7 days for drugs to show in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing tends to be pricier than other testing methods.
• Variability in results: Hair color and personal variations in hair growth may influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the test targets the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Potsdam, NY surpasses urine testing by offering superior detection reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair analyses reveal a substance use history extending over several months. This makes hair tests preferable for those seeking thorough and assured results.

Employers in Potsdam favor hair testing for its precise detection and difficulty to manipulate, setting it apart from urine-based methods.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Potsdam, NY gain a more complete understanding of an individual's substance use with hair follicle tests. With a detection window extending up to 90 days, these tests offer a broader view of an individual's habits, which is invaluable for making informed employment decisions.

The extended detection period allows for a more historical analysis, shedding light on patterns of use over time.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Minimizing sample tampering risk is a significant benefit of hair follicle tests conducted in Potsdam, NY. These tests are less prone to manipulation compared to other methods, ensuring the integrity of the sample and the results derived from it.

The robustness of hair testing methods assures users of the authenticity and reliability of the results, crucial for critical decision-making processes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With accessible testing sites nationwide and in Potsdam, NY, hair follicle testing is convenient and stress-free. The wide network ensures timely and efficient service, allowing individuals and employers to conduct tests with ease and convenience.

Local facilities in Potsdam are equipped to offer quick testing services, reducing the time and effort for all parties involved.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Potsdam, NY is straightforward and maintains confidentiality. From order placement to result collection, the procedure is designed to safeguard privacy while remaining simple to navigate.

This clarity in the process reduces concerns about discretion and eases participation in the testing program.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Hair follicle testing in Potsdam, NY is not only prompt but also competitively priced, offering great value for organizations of varying sizes. The quick turnaround time, allied with fair pricing, provides reassurance and comforts to companies prioritizing budget considerations.

The balance of affordability and speed ensures businesses receive quality service without compromising financial resources.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle tests in Potsdam, NY deliver fast, precise, and consistent results. These tests are known for their accuracy in identifying substance use, providing reliable data for decision-making. The scientific methods involved ensure that the outcomes are verifiable and trustworthy.

The speed of receiving results from hair follicle tests is a major advantage. Employers and other stakeholders in Potsdam benefit from timely insights into substance use patterns.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Potsdam, NY, hair follicle testing promotes adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This testing method helps mitigate legal risks and fosters a safer work environment, providing reassurance to employers committed to maintaining clean workplace standards.

The reliability of these tests supports comprehensive compliance efforts, giving employers peace of mind.

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