Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Stony Brook, NY

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now acknowledged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair, hair offers a long-term record of alcohol and drugs. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide a drug and alcohol detection window of up to about 3 months. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and effortless to transport.

A sample of about 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (nearly the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, delivers 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, a specimen amount of 150mg is advisable. We advocate weighing the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is deemed inadequate, a comparable quantity of body hair may be sourced. In terms of head hair, we are specifically referencing scalp hair. Body hair involves all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary phases in processing drug test outcomes in a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the primary processing of a sample within a lab's framework. It includes confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any data entry that an electronic chain of custody system might not cover.

Screening involves an initial cursory check for substances of abuse. Although Screening serves as a budget-friendly measure to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be affirmed to hold in legal proceedings. Any presumptive positives during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.

Should a sample show a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other tests (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which accounts for hair drug screening being the most complex technique to execute.

Confirming any positive screening result takes place using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positives are washed pre-confirmation as required. The whole lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under CAP's (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection duration: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage for up to 90 days, as opposed to urine tests which have a shorter window.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is notably challenging, thus enhancing result accuracy.
• Provides a history: It offers records of drug use patterns over time, not just immediate usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs take about 5-7 days to become noticeable in hair.
• Costly: Generally, hair drug tests are pricier than other drug testing techniques.
• Outcome variability: Hair color and individual growth variances can influence drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", such tests evaluate the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Stony Brook, NY

Hair follicle testing offers superior detection capabilities, far surpassing traditional urine tests. Employers in Stony Brook, NY benefit from the enhanced accuracy and reliability of hair testing, which can discover drugs long after urine samples may fail. The comprehensive results give a complete picture of substance use history.

Unlike urine tests, hair testing can identify habitual use over time periods stretching up to 90 days. This extended detection window is a clear advantage, making it a preferred choice for many businesses and agencies needing thorough evaluations.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Stony Brook, NY

Hair follicle testing provides an unrivaled detection period of up to 90 days, covering a much longer history than other methods. In Stony Brook, NY, employers gain a full view of an individual's substance use, ensuring informed hiring and monitoring decisions. This extensive look back period sets hair testing apart.

The ability to track drug use over time offers peace of mind and assurance that current status and historical behaviors are accurately captured. This makes hair testing an excellent tool for monitoring compliance with zero-tolerance policies.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Stony Brook, NY

Hair follicle tests significantly diminish the chance of tampering, ensuring trustworthy outcomes. This method offers superior reliability, as it is resilient to common adulteration techniques. In Stony Brook, NY, this makes it a preferred choice for firms aiming for unfalsifiable results.

Due to its nature, the hair test acts as a deterrent to potential cheats, preventing adulteration attempts during sample collection. This integrity is crucial for maintaining the credibility of workplace policies and legal compliance.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Stony Brook, NY

With a myriad of testing facilities across the nation, individuals in Stony Brook, NY can easily access drug testing services. Our widespread network makes the process quick and hassle-free, accommodating the needs of businesses and individuals alike.

Enjoy the convenience of nearby and nationwide centers, ensuring fast service with minimal delay. Accredited Drug Testing's expansive reach guarantees timely testing and results access for all clients.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Stony Brook, NY

The hair testing process is streamlined for ease and privacy, ensuring confidentiality from ordering to results. In Stony Brook, NY, clients have peace of mind knowing their private information is protected throughout. Simple procedures foster an environment of trust and reliability.

Clients are guided through each step, with clarity and professionalism ensuring satisfactory experiences. This straightforward approach addresses any concerns about privacy protection efficiently.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Stony Brook, NY

Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in Stony Brook, NY make hair follicle testing a cost-effective solution. Employers and individuals alike benefit from the value provided by efficient service delivery and transparent cost structures.

We emphasize affordability without compromising on quality, ensuring all clients receive top-notch service at a fair price, regardless of the organization size. This commitment to cost-effectiveness supports businesses in maintaining drug-free workplaces.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Stony Brook, NY

Hair follicle testing offers exceptional precision, swiftly identifying substance use with high accuracy. In Stony Brook, NY, these tests are renowned for speed and reliability, providing critical insights quickly. The quick processing ensures timely results, allowing decision-makers to act without delay.

With technology advancements, hair tests deliver rapid and accurate outcomes. Their ability to precisely detect substances translates to trust among employers and individuals alike. This efficiency allows for confident decision-making regarding employment and legal matters.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Stony Brook, NY

Employers in Stony Brook, NY find reassurance in hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free policies while minimizing legal risks. The method promotes enhanced safety, foretelling a drug-free and conductive work environment, thus fostering peace of mind.

This robust testing solution aligns with strict policy enforcement, reduces liabilities, and supports a healthy workplace culture. It's an integral part of a comprehensive safety strategy, providing both assurance and reliability.

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