Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair encases a long-term record of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair is sampled near the scalp, it can offer a detection period of up to approximately three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) sampled near the scalp is needed to provide the ideal 100mg for both screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, extensions, and those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is ideal. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. Note that head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types like facial or underarm hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory is conducted. This step includes checking if the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening represents a preliminary examination for abusive drugs. It's a cost-effective way to ascertain drug use for most samples. However, a screening test that shows a positive result must be verified for legal acceptance. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and set for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair in significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair testing uniquely challenging.
Confirmation of positive screenings is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples initially positive undergo a necessary wash before confirmation. The comprehensive laboratory workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized following both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Sloan, NY: Discover superior detection with hair testing.
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair testing offers unmatched accuracy and reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Sloan, NY: Achieve deeper substance history analysis with hair follicle testing.
This method allows for drug detection over an extended period, up to 90 days.
Provide employers a thorough view of an individual’s substance history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Sloan, NY: Hair follicle tests drastically minimize the chance of sample adulteration.
By offering trustworthy and undeniable results, integrity is ensured in testing outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Sloan, NY: Enjoy the ease of access to our widespread testing sites.
Our comprehensive network ensures quick and seamless test administration.
Simple, Confidential Process in Sloan, NY: Experience an easy and discreet drug testing process.
This method respects privacy while simplifying the overall testing procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Sloan, NY: Benefit from our competitive pricing and rapid processing times.
We deliver superior value and reassurance to businesses of every size.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Sloan, NY: Experience the speedy precision of hair follicle drug tests.
Boasting an unmatched accuracy level, hair testing efficiently identifies substance use.
This meticulous method outshines alternatives, offering assurance in results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Sloan, NY: Adopting hair follicle testing fortifies drug-free workplace policies.
Guaranteeing compliance, it reduces legal liabilities and enhances safety.