Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol intake. Hair holds a detailed archive of substance use, capturing biomarkers within the hair strand fibers as they grow. When sampled near the scalp, it can offer a detection period of up to nearly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easily shipped.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For more extensive testing such as EtG and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It is suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be obtainable, a similar volume of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair specify scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair kinds (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The main components of processing a drug test in the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory framework. This process ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data not covered by an electronic chain of custody program.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for drug presence. Though a cost-efficient way to rule out drug use in most samples, positive results in Screening necessitate confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that test as presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive at the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. This stage involves isolating drugs from hair at a lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), contributing to the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation for any positive screen is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is reviewed with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in alignment with accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often called "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Sands Point, NY In Sands Point, hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering unmatched detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a more comprehensive view, allowing for a broader detection window. This makes it an ideal choice for employers seeking thoroughness and precision in their drug testing protocols.
Extended Detection Window in Sands Point, NY Hair follicle testing provides insights into drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days, offering employers a detailed substance use history of employees or applicants. This extended window allows businesses to make informed decisions based on comprehensive screening results.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Sands Point, NY Hair follicle tests are notably resistant to tampering, thus minimizing the possibilities of sample adulteration. This distinctive feature ensures the reliability and integrity of the results, which is crucial for maintaining a secure and trustworthy testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Sands Point, NY Our accredited testing centers, spread nationwide, facilitate easy and hassle-free access to hair testing services. This nationwide presence ensures that individuals in Sands Point can avail themselves of efficient testing without inconvenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Sands Point, NY Our testing services offer a straightforward, confidential procedure for ordering, conducting, and receiving results. This simple process alleviates privacy concerns and ensures ease of use, making it accessible for anyone needing drug testing services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Sands Point, NY We pride ourselves on competitive pricing structures and swift turnaround times. Our approach guarantees excellent value for businesses of any size, providing cost-effective drug testing solutions without compromising on quality or speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Sands Point, NY Hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their precision and speed, delivering reliable results that reveal substance use accurately. This superior accuracy ensures that any traces of drugs are detected effectively, thus offering a dependable tool for ensuring the safety and integrity of the workplace.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Sands Point, NY Utilizing hair follicle testing fortifies compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal exposure and contributing to a safer working environment. It offers employers peace of mind, knowing their policies are supported by robust and reliable testing methods.