Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Saratoga Springs, NY

What it is, How it works

The utilization of hair screening has emerged as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended overview of alcohol and drug intake by securing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month usage history for alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil), taken from the scalp’s proximity, yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for examination and confirmation. For EtG, extras, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample weight is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. Scalp hair specifically refers to the hair on the head, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).

Process Overview

The core procedures in lab-processing a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the preliminary treatment of a sample within a lab's framework. This entails confirming proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is an initial rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug presence in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for it to hold legal weight. Samples marking as presumptively positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.

Upon a presumptive positive outcome in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from the hair at lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which underscores the complexity of performing hair drug screenings.

To verify positive Screening results, they are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples with presumptive positive outcomes are cleansed before confirmation, as needed. Each laboratory step from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests identify drug intake for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests with a limited detection span.
• Resistance to tampering: It poses significant difficulty in falsifying hair drug tests, ensuring higher result accuracy.
• Chronological data provision: It provides a timeline of drug usage, depicting patterns over a term rather than immediate use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Drugs require about 5-7 days to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing tends to be pricier than alternative drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Influences like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can alter the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Despite frequent reference as “hair follicle tests,” the analysis focuses on the hair strand, excluding the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing outshines urine testing in Saratoga Springs, NY lies in its advanced detection capabilities. While traditional urine tests capture recent drug usage, hair tests stretch this period up to 90 days.

Employers gain a more accurate picture of an individual’s drug habits, which enhances the robustness and trust in workplace safety protocols.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window, a significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Saratoga Springs, NY, permits monitoring of substance usage spanning up to 90 days.

This extended window grants employers a comprehensive perspective of both applicants and employees, ensuring informed hiring decisions and ongoing assessments.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing is a key strength of hair follicle testing in Saratoga Springs, NY. Unlike other methods, hair tests offer a formidable defense against sample tampering and manipulation.

Employers benefit from reliable, undeniable results that enhance the integrity of their drug testing programs, reducing risks of fraudulent sample submissions.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide and Local Locations in Saratoga Springs, NY are offered through our extensive network. Accessibility is key, providing easy, seamless access for drug testing services across the nation.

Our local and national presence guarantees that you are never far from a testing center, simplifying the process for you.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Saratoga Springs, NY ensures ease and privacy. From ordering to results, the process is designed to maintain confidentiality and simplicity.

This user-friendly approach respects privacy concerns and supports individuals and employers in undertaking necessary testing with confidence.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Saratoga Springs, NY promise excellent value for businesses. Competitive pricing paired with quick result delivery enhances the appeal of our testing services.

Our efficient service model offers peace of mind and cost-effective solutions for companies seeking reliable drug testing options.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate Results in Saratoga Springs, NY are achievable due to hair follicle drug tests which are renowned for their quick outcomes and unparalleled precision. Providing a reliable measure of substance use, these tests deliver decisive results.

In contrast to traditional methods, the speed and reliability of hair testing provide definite advantages, making it an excellent choice for rapid drug screening.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind are assured through hair follicle testing in Saratoga Springs, NY. With hair testing, employers fulfill stringent drug-free workplace mandates, mitigating legal exposures and elevating safety.

Hair testing supports adherence to policies, ensuring both legal compliance and the peace of mind that comes from a safer work environment.

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