Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Within the sphere of drug and alcohol detection, hair testing has emerged as a formidable method. Hair serves as a repository for long-term records of alcohol and drug use by ensnaring biomarkers within the fibers as the hair grows. When collected in proximity to the scalp, hair can extend up to a roughly 3-month detection period for substances like alcohol and drugs. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) obtained from near the scalp yields 100mg, the quintessential sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplemental tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advocated. We recommend using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair can't be procured, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. In instances of head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
In the laboratory handling of a drug test outcome, the primary stages include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step of integrating a sample into the lab's system. This step involves ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, allotting a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any additional data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial swift evaluation for drugs of abuse. Screening provides a cost-efficient measure to dismiss drug use on most samples; however, a positive screen must be validated for court acceptance. Samples flagged as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
In cases where a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, supplementary hair is extracted from the original specimen and made ready for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are isolated from hair at smaller concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), attributing to hair drug screening being the most complex method to execute.
Positive screening confirmations are conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples assumed positive undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the certification towards ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the frequent reference to "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Rochester, NY, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing due to its superior detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, which can only detect recent drug use, hair tests offer a comprehensive overview by identifying substances used over a longer period, ensuring accurate and reliable results. This makes it a preferred choice for employers aiming for meticulous drug-free policy enforcement.
Employers in Rochester, NY, find hair follicle drug tests advantageous for their extended window of detection, revealing substance use up to 90 days prior. This method provides a thorough insight into an individual's history with substances, going beyond the recent past captured by other testing methods, aiding in more comprehensive background checks.
In Rochester, NY, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing stands out, deterring efforts to alter samples. This rigorous method minimizes adulteration risks, making it highly dependable and delivering unquestionable results, especially crucial for workplaces enforcing stringent drug policies.
With accessible testing centers nationwide, including in Rochester, NY, hair follicle testing is both convenient and hassle-free. This expansive network allows clients quick access to facilities, ensuring prompt and efficient testing services without the burden of extensive travel or delays.
In Rochester, NY, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. Clients can order tests with ease, partake in testing privately, and receive their results discreetly, emphasizing privacy and maintaining high standards of confidentiality throughout the procedure.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle drug testing in Rochester, NY, is both affordable and efficient. This combination provides excellent value for companies of all sizes, ensuring they receive top-quality testing services without exceeding budget constraints.
Hair follicle drug tests in Rochester, NY, offer fast and reliable outcomes, ensuring a substantial edge in the detection of substance use. The precision of hair testing guarantees heightened accuracy compared to other methods, identifying a broad spectrum of drugs accurately. This helps employers and institutions make informed decisions swiftly with minimized risk of error in results.
Adopting hair follicle drug tests in Rochester, NY, ensures employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities and enhancing peace of mind. This testing aligns with compliance needs and supports a safer working environment, reassuring companies that their workforce is dedicated and substance-free.
