Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations have gained recognition as an efficient method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can reflect drug or alcohol use for a period of up to three months. This method is straightforward to execute, somewhat resistant to tampering, and facilitates simple mailing procedures.
A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 individual strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil), provides about 100mg of hair, which is considered the optimal sample for preliminary and confirmatory analysis. For EtG applications, extra tests, and panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the specimen is advised. A jeweler’s scale is suggested for the weighing process. If no scalp hair is available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be taken. In reference to head hair, the term specifically means scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The fundamental stages involved in processing a drug test at the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample initially enters the laboratory's system. This step involves ensuring the sample is correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing additional data entry not supported by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for substance presence. This step is cost-effective for excluding drug consumption in most samples, but a positive Screen result requires Confirmation to hold up in legal settings. Samples with a presumptively positive outcome in Screening must undergo a follow-up confirmation.
For samples testing positive at the Screening stage, more hair from the original specimen is utilized for the Extraction process. Here, substances are isolated from hair at concentrations lower than those in other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug testing procedures.
Positive Screen results are verified via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Samples indicated as positive initially undergo a cleansing process before Confirmation as necessary. The entire testing pipeline, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and conforms to ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand and not the hair follicle located beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Sidney Center, NY
Hair tests offer superior detection over urine tests, with a longer detection window and less susceptibility to evasion tactics. Employers gain a clearer understanding of substance use history, thanks to hair testing's accurate results and lower risk of manipulation.
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing is more reliable for detecting long-term substance abuse. Its accuracy and comprehensiveness equip employers with better data, ensuring safe and effective hiring decisions in Sidney Center.
Extended Detection Window in Sidney Center, NY
With detection capabilities reaching up to 90 days, hair follicle testing provides employers with detailed insights into an employee's or applicant's substance use history, enabling more informed decision-making.
This extended period means employers benefit from a thorough understanding of long-term substance habits, going beyond the recent histories typical of other testing forms.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Sidney Center, NY
The robust nature of hair testing sharply reduces the likelihood of adulteration, ensuring that the results are reliable and accurate, maintaining integrity in the testing process.
Employers gain confidence in test outcomes with hair follicle testing, where tampering risks are minimized. This reliability is crucial for enforcing workplace policies effectively and equitably.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Sidney Center, NY
Our widespread network ensures that testing services are accessible, convenient, and hassle-free, with extensive reach nationwide and localized presence in Sidney Center.
With numerous centers across the country, businesses enjoy the ease and speed of accessing testing services locally in Sidney Center, increasing efficiency in drug screening processes.
Simple, Confidential Process in Sidney Center, NY
Our streamlined testing procedure respects privacy, offering an easy-to-follow, confidential experience from ordering to receiving results.
The process is designed with simplicity in mind, addressing concerns regarding privacy, thus ensuring a discreet and comfortable experience for all involved in the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Sidney Center, NY
Offering competitive prices, we ensure fast outcomes, balancing cost-efficiency with superior service, providing companies significant savings while preserving quality.
The blend of affordable costs and rapid result delivery assures employers of the best value proposition, apt for organizations of all scales while meeting drug testing needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Sidney Center, NY
Hair follicle drug tests provide swift and accurate detection of substance use, surpassing traditional testing methods. These tests offer high precision, ensuring employers receive reliable information swiftly, crucial for maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Employers in Sidney Center trust hair testing for its unparalleled accuracy. The method swiftly detects a wide array of substances, providing results you can count on and making prompt employment decisions more feasible.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Sidney Center, NY
Employers leverage the accuracy of hair follicle tests to maintain drug-free workplaces, ensuring compliance with policies and mitigating legal risks.
Using reliable testing methods like hair follicle analysis not only reduces workplace safety concerns but also guarantees employers peace of mind and societal responsibility compliance.
