Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance history by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use up to a roughly 3-month window for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipment.
A sample of 1.5 inches and approximately 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Usage of a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. If head hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair only. All other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.) fall under body hair.
Process Overview
The processing of drug test results in a lab involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the first stage of sample processing within a lab’s system. This step involves confirming the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry additional to what an electronic chain of custody system provides.
Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for drug presence. While Screening serves as a cost-effective method to dismiss drug use in most samples, any positive results on this screening must be verified for court admissibility. Samples identified as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary verification.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive in Screening, further hair is drawn from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction. In this phase, substances are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most complex to administer.
An initial positive screening result is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples, if necessary, undergo a washing process before confirmation. Reviews of the entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation are conducted under the scrutiny of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often misused, as the test targets the hair strand itself, rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Ticonderoga, NY
In Ticonderoga, NY, hair follicle testing outmatches traditional urine screening by a large margin. Hair testing offers expanded detection accuracy and reliability, as it retains evidence of substance use for a longer period. This method gives employers a much-needed edge in maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Extended Detection Window in Ticonderoga, NY
Hair follicle testing provides a significant advantage in Ticonderoga, NY, by offering an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This capability allows employers to evaluate an individual’s historical substance use, providing a comprehensive perspective on their drug habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ticonderoga, NY
The hair follicle test stands out in Ticonderoga, NY, for its strong resistance to tampering. This testing method drastically reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration, ensuring that results remain reliable and beyond question.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Ticonderoga, NY
In Ticonderoga, NY, our nationwide network of testing centers offers unrivaled convenience. This accessibility ensures quick and hassle-free services, meeting the needs of both individuals and organizations with ease.
Simple, Confidential Process in Ticonderoga, NY
Our hair follicle testing process in Ticonderoga, NY, prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. The entire procedure, from ordering to result delivery, is designed to be straightforward and secure, alleviating privacy concerns.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ticonderoga, NY
Accredited Drug Testing in Ticonderoga, NY, offers competitive pricing paired with rapid turnaround times. This combination provides excellent value, ensuring peace of mind for companies of any size.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ticonderoga, NY
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed. In Ticonderoga, NY, these tests offer an accurate assessment of substance use, easily outpacing traditional testing methods. The method ensures that substances are detected with high accuracy, providing the assurance employers need.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ticonderoga, NY
Employers in Ticonderoga, NY, benefit greatly from using hair follicle testing. This method assures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks while promoting workplace safety. With this reliable method, employers can effectively manage their workplace environments.
