Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extended historical record of alcohol and drug consumption by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection window for alcohol and drugs lasting up to around three months. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (about equivalent to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is recommended. It is advised to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, the same quantity of body hair can be used. When referring to head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Drug test result processing in the laboratory generally involves four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial incorporation of a sample into the laboratory system. This process includes checking that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug presence in the majority of cases, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from the hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Richville, NY: Hair follicle testing outmatches traditional urine tests by providing a more extended detection window, often up to 90 days. This method offers higher reliability, minimizing the chances of false positives or negatives. Compared to urine testing, hair analysis stands out for its superior ability to identify historical substance use, ensuring employers make informed decisions.
Extended Detection Window in Richville, NY: One of the standout benefits of hair follicle testing is its substantial detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This feature equips employers with valuable insights into an individual’s substance use history, expanding beyond immediate consumption. Employers gain a deeper understanding by assessing long-term patterns, crucial for maintaining a safe and drug-free workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Richville, NY: Hair follicle testing is inherently tamper-resistant, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration and ensuring trustworthy results. The collection process is monitored, drastically lowering the potential for cheating. This integrity is vital for organizations prioritizing accuracy and reliability in drug testing, making it a definitive option over other methods.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Richville, NY: Accredited Drug Testing offers a wide network of testing centers across the nation, ensuring easy and prompt access to drug testing services. Our comprehensive coverage allows convenient scheduling, minimizing hassle for individuals and employers alike, while our state-of-the-art facilities ensure seamless testing experiences.
Simple, Confidential Process in Richville, NY: Our hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential, easing concerns about privacy. From ordering the test to receiving results, all steps prioritize discretion, making it a preferred choice for individuals and employers. This simplicity underscores our commitment to maintaining client confidentiality and ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Richville, NY: Our competitive pricing structures ensure affordability without compromising quality. Additionally, rapid turnaround times provide swift access to results, supporting businesses of all sizes. This blend of cost-effectiveness and efficiency delivers excellent value, fostering peace of mind and timely decision-making for employers.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Richville, NY: Hair follicle drug tests deliver exceptional accuracy in detecting substance use. Testing provides immediate and reliable results, crucial for time-sensitive environments. The refined process ensures high precision, offering peace of mind to employers and individuals. This efficiency enhances decision-making in workplace policies.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Richville, NY: Adopting hair follicle testing helps employers maintain adherence to drug-free policies while reducing legal liabilities. This assurance translates into heightened workplace safety and compliance with health regulations, streamlining operations. Employers can rest easy knowing they are upholding a secure and responsible work environment.
