Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When extracted from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to roughly three months for substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding ten, 150mg of hair is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the hair on a jeweler’s scale. If head hair isn’t accessible, a similar quantity of body hair may be taken. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other varieties (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
There are four crucial stages in the laboratory handling of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage of processing a sample within a lab’s system. This process ensures that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and fulfills any pending data entry not included via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid test for substance abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to rule out drug usage in most cases, a positive screening must be verified for it to be legally admissible. Samples that show presumptive positivity in Screening require additional confirmation.
When a sample indicates positive during the Screening phase, more hair is obtained from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are separated from hair at a lower concentration than in alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluids), making hair drug testing the most challenging technique to execute.
Positive Screening results go through Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before confirmation, all samples that show presumptive positivity are washed as necessary. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review in compliance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the test actually analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle below the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in South Valley Stream, NY
Hair testing outshines urine tests with superior detection and reliability. In South Valley Stream, employers, courts, and professionals prefer this method for its extended detection window and difficulty in altering test results.
Extended Detection Window in South Valley Stream, NY
Hair follicle testing offers a window up to 90 days, compared to shorter detection periods typical with urine tests. This gives employers in South Valley Stream, NY, insight into a candidate or employee's long-term substance use, ensuring comprehensive evaluations.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in South Valley Stream, NY
The hair follicle test significantly lowers the chances of sample tampering, delivering results you can trust. In South Valley Stream, NY, this reliability is crucial for industries dependent on untainted results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in South Valley Stream, NY
Our widespread network of testing centers, including those in South Valley Stream, NY, offers straightforward access to testing services, making the procedure smooth and stress-free.
Simple, Confidential Process in South Valley Stream, NY
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and discreet, ensuring ease and privacy. South Valley Stream residents benefit from a secure way to order, perform, and receive their test results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in South Valley Stream, NY
Competitive pricing along with swift processing times makes hair follicle drug testing a cost-effective choice for businesses in South Valley Stream, NY, providing excellent value.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in South Valley Stream, NY
Hair follicle drug tests provide swift and precise outcomes, boasting high accuracy in detecting substance use. The method's reliability makes it a preferred choice in South Valley Stream, NY, ensuring confidence when evaluating individuals' drug history.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in South Valley Stream, NY
Employers in South Valley Stream can rely on hair follicle testing to uphold workplace drug policies, meet compliance standards, and mitigate legal liabilities, promoting a safe and compliant work environment.
