Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Testing hair is recognized as an effective method for identifying both drug and alcohol consumption. The hair retains biomarkers of alcohol and other substances within its fibers, offering a long-term record. When hair is taken from near the scalp, it can offer a detection window of up to 3 months for alcohol and drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
An ideal sample consists of a 1.5-inch length of approximately 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil), cut close to the scalp, providing 100mg of hair for optimal analysis. When dealing with EtG, additional testing, or beyond 10-panel analyses, 150mg of the sample is preferable. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is advised. Should scalp hair be missing, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair imply scalp hair exclusively, whereas body hair encompasses other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The complete process for analyzing a sample for drugs in a laboratory involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first phase, where a sample is entered into the laboratory’s system. This step checks that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any manual data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for substances. Although Screening is an economical method for eliminating drug use in most samples, positive screens must endure Confirmation for court validity. Any samples that are provisionally positive during Screening need subsequent confirmation.
If a sample shows provisional positivity at the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the beginning sample and readied for Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
Positive results from Screening undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, presumptive positive samples are washed appropriately. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation is thoroughly reviewed against CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not on the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing test methods, hair follicle screenings in Smallwood, NY, excel over urine tests in several aspects. They provide superior detection accuracy and reliability, capturing a clearer picture of substance use history, making them invaluable for employers and professionals seeking uncompromised drug-free policies.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Smallwood, NY, makes it a standout choice. Unlike urine tests, which only show recent usage, hair tests can detect drug use over a 90-day span, providing a comprehensive overview of an employee's or applicant's substance use history.
Hair follicle drug tests in Smallwood, NY, offer a tamper-resistant method, significantly minimizing sample adulteration. This ensures the results are trustworthy and undeniable, offering assurance to employers and supporting accurate decision-making.
With numerous testing facilities available, including Smallwood, NY, our presence makes drug testing convenient and accessible nationwide. This ensures quick and efficient service, minimizing disruptions and facilitating effortless access to necessary testing services.
The hair follicle testing process in Smallwood, NY, is simple and confidential. From ordering a test to receiving results, the focus is on privacy and ease of use. Clients can trust the process to be seamless, protecting their concerns and ensuring straightforward access to results.
In Smallwood, NY, our hair follicle tests offer affordable pricing with fast turnaround times. This combination provides excellent value, enabling companies of all sizes to implement comprehensive drug testing solutions without exceeding budgets, maintaining competitive edge.
Hair follicle drug tests in Smallwood, NY, offer unparalleled precision and swiftness. Their accuracy in identifying substance use sets them ahead of traditional methods, ensuring reliable outcomes. Faster results mean quicker decisions, keeping your processes smooth and informed, maintaining high standards of drug testing.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Smallwood, NY, supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies, offering employers peace of mind. It reduces legal risks, supports safety measures, and reinforces your commitment to a safe and productive environment.
