Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments are now recognized as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers in the fibers as the hair grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer close to a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch hair segment containing around 200 strands (approximately the girth of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a total of 150mg of the sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results entails four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into the lab's system. This encompasses confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addressing any additional data entry needs not met by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary rapid assessment for drug misuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to eliminate drug use for most samples, any positive result requires verification to be valid in court. Samples that yield a presumptive positive result during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For samples yielding a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair is derived from the initial specimen for the Extraction stage. At this juncture, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than seen in other methodologies (like urine or oral fluid), hence the complexity of conducting hair drug screening.
The confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS methodologies. All samples yielding a presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab process, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently referenced as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Red Oaks Mill, NY
Hair follicle tests are superior to traditional urine tests in several ways. In Red Oaks Mill, NY, they offer enhanced detection accuracy and reliability, keeping pace with employers' need for stringent substance abuse policies. Unlike urine tests, hair tests can detect longer drug use histories, making them essential for comprehensive drug screening.
Extended Detection Window in Red Oaks Mill, NY
In Red Oaks Mill, NY, the ability of hair follicle testing to detect drug use for up to 90 days offers a wider lens into an individual’s substance history. This extended detection window empowers employers with better insights into a potential or current employee’s drug use habits, ensuring a safer and compliant working environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Red Oaks Mill, NY
The hair follicle testing method used in Red Oaks Mill, NY is designed to minimize the potential for adulteration. With its robust design, this testing method ensures that results are trustworthy and accurate. The tamper-resistant nature of hair tests provides both individuals and employers with peace of mind regarding the integrity of the sample.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Red Oaks Mill, NY
With numerous testing centers nationwide and in Red Oaks Mill, NY, accessing drug testing services is quick and hassle-free. The convenience provided ensures that individuals and employers can obtain tests without unnecessary delays, making the process efficient for everyone involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Red Oaks Mill, NY
In Red Oaks Mill, NY, our hair follicle drug testing process is designed to be both straightforward and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving test results is made easy, ensuring privacy and ease of use for all involved. Concerns regarding confidentiality are addressed to safeguard individuals' personal information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Red Oaks Mill, NY
Competitive pricing and fast result turnaround distinguish our hair follicle testing services in Red Oaks Mill, NY. Companies benefit from excellent value and the reassurance of prompt, reliable service, fitting the needs of businesses large and small with our tailored solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Red Oaks Mill, NY
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched, offering results that are both fast and dependable. In Red Oaks Mill, NY, these tests detect substance use with a high degree of accuracy, ensuring that the results you receive are comprehensive and trustworthy. Employers and individuals alike can rely on these tests for critical decision-making processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Red Oaks Mill, NY
Adopting hair follicle testing in Red Oaks Mill, NY enables employers to maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies effectively. This approach not only reduces the legal risks associated with workplace accidents but also enhances overall safety. The assurance of compliance brings peace of mind to management and staff alike.