Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is gaining recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a repository for long-term substance use history by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of its growing strand. When obtained close to the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, considered the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a quantity of 150mg is suggested. We advise weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar amount of body hair may be utilized. Whenever mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair pertains to all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the initial phase of incorporating a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This phase encompasses confirming the sample was correctly sealed and delivered, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most samples, it requires confirmation of a positive screen for court admissibility. Any samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
When a sample indicates a presumptive positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and set for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug testing is the most challenging methodology to execute.
Any positive screening result is confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positivity undergo washing as necessary before confirmation. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the scalp's hair follicle.
In Putnam Lake, NY, the benefits of hair follicle testing surpass those of traditional urine testing. One major advantage is its longer detection window, which offers a more thorough insight into an individual's substance history. Hair tests can identify drug use over a period of up to 90 days, making them a valuable tool for employers focused on safety and compliance.
Unlike urine testing, which is more suited for detecting recent drug use, hair follicle testing boasts superior detection accuracy. The hair test method minimizes the risk of individuals cheating the system, guaranteeing reliable results. Employers and substance abuse professionals increasingly prefer hair testing for its dependability and comprehensive analysis.
Putnam Lake, NY, has seen a rise in the use of hair follicle testing because it offers an extended detection window. One of the significant advantages is its ability to detect substance use over a much longer timeframe, typically up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a more detailed understanding of an individual's drug use history.
This extended window is crucial for organizations with strict drug policies as it helps them maintain a safe and compliant work environment. By being able to trace drug use further back in time, employers can make well-informed decisions about potential or current employees, enhancing the safety and reliability of their workforce.
In Putnam Lake, NY, hair follicle testing offers a tamper-resistant solution to drug testing, significantly reducing the chance of sample adulteration. This method is far less prone to tampering than urine tests, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the results.
The collection process for hair testing is simple and conducted under observation, which limits opportunities for individuals to manipulate their samples. This reliability makes it a preferred choice for employers and legal authorities in need of dependable and incontrovertible test outcomes.
With numerous convenient testing locations across Putnam Lake, NY, hair follicle drug testing is readily accessible. Our nationwide network ensures that individuals can find a nearby center, making the testing process quick and hassle-free.
The availability of local locations in Putnam Lake and beyond means that those in need of testing services can easily schedule appointments. This extensive network supports a wide range of testing needs, providing flexibility and convenience to employers and individuals alike.
The process for hair follicle drug testing in Putnam Lake, NY, is both simple and confidential. From ordering tests to collecting samples and receiving results, every step is designed to respect privacy and ease of use.
Individuals concerned about confidentiality can rest assured that their information is handled with the utmost care. This transparent and straightforward process reassures participants, making it a preferred choice for those seeking privacy in their drug testing solutions.
In Putnam Lake, NY, the affordability and speed of hair follicle testing are unmatched, with competitive pricing and fast turnaround times. This balance of cost-effectiveness and efficiency offers excellent value to companies of all sizes.
Employers can rely on receiving their test results quickly, aiding in the timely decision-making process. The favorable pricing structures and rapid service make hair follicle testing an appealing option for businesses focused on budget-conscious and efficient drug testing practices.
In Putnam Lake, NY, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results, making them a preferred method for substance detection. This testing is known for its high precision and speed, effectively identifying the presence of drugs or alcohol in a subject's system. The accuracy ensures confidence in the results, providing a comprehensive view of substance use over time.
The speed of hair follicle testing allows for quick turnaround times in delivering results to employers and individuals. This rapid response helps in making timely decisions related to employment or legal matters. In addition to speed and accuracy, the reliability of these tests is unmatched, ensuring that the results obtained are both trustworthy and actionable.
Employers in Putnam Lake, NY, benefit greatly from hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and promotes a safer work environment by accurately identifying drug use over a 90-day period.
By implementing hair testing, employers gain peace of mind knowing they are maintaining a compliant and safe workplace. The detailed results provide them with the necessary information to take informed actions, uphold company standards, and protect both their employees and business.
