Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective methodology for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The structure of hair allows for the encapsulation of biomarkers within the hair fibers, offering a comprehensive overview of substance use over time. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol consumption over a period of up to three months. Collection is straightforward, resistance to tampering is relatively high, and shipment is uncomplicated.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's width) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, optimal for both screening and verification tests. For EtG, supplemental tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is suggested. The specimen should ideally be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. The term head hair is specific to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types such as facial and axillary.
Process Overview
Four critical stages are part of the laboratory processing for drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially incorporated into a lab's system. This phase involves checking the integrity of the sample's seal and shipment, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse, effectively eliminating the majority of samples that show no usage. However, any positive findings in Screening must be validated for judicial acceptance. Samples showing potential positivity require further confirmation.
When a sample indicates possible positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and processed for Extraction. This stage involves isolating drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis one of the more challenging methodologies.
Positive Screening outcomes need verification through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Before validation, any samples preliminarily marked as positive undergo a cleansing process as necessary. Each step from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation consistent with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly known as "hair follicle tests", this test evaluates the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Rushville, NY
Hair testing provides advantages over urine tests through enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. It is a superior choice for employers aiming for precise and dependable results.
Extended Detection Window in Rushville, NY
Hair follicle testing boasts a lengthy detection window of up to 90 days, granting employers in Rushville a holistic view of substance history, aiding in making informed hiring or personnel decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Rushville, NY
The hair follicle test significantly diminishes the chances of sample tampering, providing results that are both reliable and indisputable for employers in Rushville.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Rushville, NY
Our network offers hassle-free access to testing services with centers nationwide and locally in Rushville, ensuring quick and easy service for our clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Rushville, NY
The process for obtaining, taking, and receiving results from hair testing is straightforward and private, addressing privacy and ease-of-use concerns of clients in Rushville.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Rushville, NY
Our competitive pricing and quick result turnaround offer substantial value for businesses of any size in Rushville, helping them maintain peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Rushville, NY
Hair follicle drug tests offer superior precision and quick results. These tests are highly reliable for detecting substance use, providing robust accuracy that employers in Rushville can count on.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Rushville, NY
Implementing hair follicle testing ensures that employers remain compliant with drug-free workplace policies, decreasing legal complications and enhancing overall workplace safety.
