Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Salamanca, NY

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly regarded as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a historical record of these substances by encasing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When collected close to the scalp, this can extend the detection window for drugs and alcohol to roughly 3 months. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.

A sample size of 1.5 inches composed of around 200 hair strands (approximately matching the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp equates to 100mg, which is the preferred quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, supplementary assays, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It's best to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unattainable, a similar amount of body hair can be utilized. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Overview

Drug test result processing in the lab involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab's framework. This step verifies proper sealing and shipment of the sample, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any remaining data input absent from an electronic custody system.

Screening consists of an expeditious preliminary drug check. Despite being cost-effective for ruling drug use out in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for it to be admissible in a legal context. Samples returning presumptive positive results require a secondary confirmation.

Presumptive positive samples from the Screening stage undergo further hair extraction from the original sample for Extraction preparation. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at lower concentrations than possible with methodologies such as urine or oral fluids, which is why hair drug testing is notably challenging.

Confirmation of positive screening findings is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the full laboratory process is scrutinized in compliance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, exceeding the shorter detection limits of urine tests.
• Difficult to falsify: The integrity of hair drug tests is high, making them reliable.
• Tracks drug use over time: Offers insights into historical drug use rather than just recent activity.

Limitations:

• Delayed detection: Drugs become visible in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair tests generally incur higher costs versus other testing methods.
• Result variability: Hair color and individual growth factors can influence drug metabolite concentrations.

Note: Although known as "hair follicle tests", this testing examines the hair strand and not the follicle under the skin.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Salamanca, NY

Salamanca, NY recognizes the superior detection capabilities of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests. This method offers better accuracy and reliability, ensuring a more thorough understanding of a person's drug use history.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Salamanca, NY

One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. Employers in Salamanca, NY can gain insight into an individual's substance use up to 90 days prior, providing a comprehensive understanding of their drug history.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Salamanca, NY

The hair follicle drug test is a robust method for preventing sample adulteration. In Salamanca, NY, this tamper-resistant approach delivers reliable and unquestionable results, enhancing test integrity.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Salamanca, NY

With an extensive network of centers, testing becomes hassle-free. Salamanca, NY locals benefit from the ease and speed of nearby locations, which aligns with broader Nationwide testing accessibility.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Salamanca, NY

The procedure for undertaking a hair follicle test is straightforward and confidential. Residents of Salamanca, NY can trust this secure process to maintain privacy while facilitating easy access to test results.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Salamanca, NY

Competitive pricing combined with rapid turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Salamanca, NY both budget-friendly and efficient. Companies, regardless of size, can enjoy valuable service with peace of mind.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Salamanca, NY

The precision and efficiency of hair follicle drug testing offer exceptional results. In Salamanca, NY, individuals benefit from its ability to detect substance use with unmatched accuracy and speed. This method is a preferred choice for those looking to ensure reliable results quickly.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Salamanca, NY

Hair follicle testing aids in ensuring that workplace drug-free policies are upheld. In Salamanca, NY, employers can rely on this method to minimize legal risks and ensure a safer work environment.

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