Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair offers a prolonged timeline of drug and alcohol history by capturing biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for drug and alcohol use. It is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing around 200 strands of hair (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If no scalp hair is available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. By head hair, we mean exclusively scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in laboratory testing for drug results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of integrating a sample into a lab’s system. This entails confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any leftover data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary cursory inspection for substance abuse. While it effectively eliminates drug use in most samples, a positive result requires further validation for legal acceptance. Samples flagged as possibly positive in Screening must undergo a subsequent confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive outcome during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Extraction. This phase involves retrieving drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging practice.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is accomplished through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair categorization and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp.
In Shortsville, NY, hair follicle testing is superior to urine testing due to its increased accuracy and reliability. Hair tests excel at detecting a wider range of drugs and offer a longer detection window. This makes them a valuable tool for employers and legal entities requiring precise monitoring of substance use.
Hair follicle testing in Shortsville, NY, allows for the detection of drug use over an extended timeframe, often up to 90 days. This offers employers a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history, giving them confidence in their hiring decisions.
In Shortsville, NY, hair follicle tests are known for their tamper-resistant qualities. They minimize the risk of sample adulteration, providing results that are both reliable and indisputable. This makes them a top choice for those seeking assured integrity in drug testing.
With testing centers nationwide, including Shortsville, NY, hair follicle testing is convenient and accessible. These centers offer a hassle-free experience, ensuring that testing services are within easy reach for individuals and employers alike.
Hair follicle testing in Shortsville, NY, presents a simple and confidential process, allowing individuals to comfortably manage ordering, testing, and receiving results. Privacy and ease of use are prioritized, making the process straightforward and stress-free.
In Shortsville, NY, hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, ensuring excellent value. This approach provides peace of mind and affordability for companies of various sizes, supporting their drug screening needs cost-effectively.
In Shortsville, NY, the precision and quickness of hair follicle drug tests make them an excellent choice. These tests provide a high level of accuracy when detecting substance use, ensuring reliable and prompt results. Whether for workplace testing or personal reasons, individuals can trust the results from a hair test method.
Employers in Shortsville, NY, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing. By ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies, they reduce legal risks and foster a safer work environment. The effectiveness of these tests supports the maintenance of safety and standards.
