Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands retain biomarkers for alcohol and drug use within their fibers, offering a comprehensive historical record. Collecting hair near the scalp yields a detection period of roughly 3 months for alcohol and drug use. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch section of about 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an optimal amount for testing. For EtG, supplementary tests, and panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain to scalp hair only, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results includes four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where the sample is integrated into the lab’s system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipping, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any additional data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for substance use. Although cost-effective, Screening alone is insufficient for court; a positive screen necessitates Confirmation. Samples indicated as positive in Screening require a further confirmation process.
For samples presumed positive during Screening, additional hair is prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted at substantially lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair testing a more complex process.
Confirmation for positive screening results involves techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although colloquially termed "hair follicle tests", it’s the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp, that is analyzed.
Hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests in Round Lake, NY. The primary advantage lies in superior accuracy and reliability, with hair tests detecting drug usage over a much broader timeframe. This allows for a more thorough understanding of an individual's history, making it ideal for environments with strict drug policies where reliability is critical.
In Round Lake, NY, the extended detection window of hair follicle tests provides an all-encompassing view of substance history, spanning up to 90 days. This feature grants employers a detailed substance use profile of applicants or employees, far surpassing the timeline offered by standard testing methods, thereby increasing the reliability of employment assessments.
Hair follicle tests in Round Lake, NY, offer a secure testing method that drastically reduces the likelihood of adulteration. The process makes it exceedingly difficult to tamper with samples, yielding unquestionable results. This method ensures the integrity of the testing process, providing businesses with an indisputable assurance of results.
With nationwide and local testing centers in Round Lake, NY, accessing hair follicle drug testing services is convenient and hassle-free. Our extensive network ensures that no matter where you are, quick and easy testing is just around the corner, making the entire process smooth and efficient for everyone involved.
In Round Lake, NY, the process of hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step is designed to minimize complexity and safeguard privacy, addressing any concerns individuals might have regarding ease of use and the confidentiality of their personal information.
Round Lake, NY, appreciates the affordable pricing and rapid turnaround of hair follicle tests. Our competitive pricing structure coupled with swift result delivery offers tremendous value, ensuring companies of all sizes can benefit without financial strain, staying compliant and informed quickly and cost-effectively.
In Round Lake, NY, the reliability and speed of hair follicle drug tests stand unmatched. These tests are designed for precise detection of substance use, offering a high degree of accuracy. Unlike other methods, they provide quick and definitive results, ensuring that employers and individuals get the answers they need efficiently and with confidence.
Employers in Round Lake, NY, can achieve peace of mind through hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with stringent workplace drug policies. By integrating this method, businesses can minimize legal risks while enhancing safety and security, thus fostering a healthier, more reliable workplace environment for all.
