Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Tonawanda, NY

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fiber of the growing hair strand. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch snippet comprising approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, special requests, and/or tests exceeding ten panels, 150mg of sample is advisable. It's suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is missing, a similar quantity of body hair can be obtained. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four essential stages in processing a drug test in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample into the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not facilitated by an electronic custody system.

Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for substances. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in most specimens, a positive outcome requires confirmation to be validated in legal proceedings. Samples presumed positive in Screening demand follow-up confirmation.

If Screening suggests a positive outcome, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower amounts than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing the most challenging to execute.

Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo cleansing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is inspected both under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which offer a shorter detection timeframe.
• Difficulty to manipulate: It is extremely hard to circumvent a hair drug test, leading to more precise results.
• Provides trend analysis: It reveals a pattern of substance use over time, not only recent intake.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: There is a 5-7 day lag before drugs are detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other testing techniques.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When it comes to drug testing in Tonawanda, NY, hair follicle tests provide distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Hair testing ensures superior accuracy in detecting drug use, enabling a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history.

Compared to urine tests, hair tests are much less prone to tampering, making them a reliable choice for employers enforcing a drug-free workplace policy.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, making it an ideal choice for employers in Tonawanda, NY who need a thorough analysis of an individual's drug history.

This longer detection period grants employers a more comprehensive overview of substance use, contributing to better-informed hiring decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Tonawanda, NY, hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant method that mitigates the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring credible results.

This type of testing significantly reduces the chances of manipulation or deceit, delivering unquestionable results for concerned parties.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our strategically placed testing centers across the nation, including Tonawanda, NY, provide convenient access to dependable testing services.

Benefit from our local and nationwide locations, ensuring a hassle-free and rapid testing experience wherever you are located.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Tonawanda, NY, experience a simple and confidential process for managing hair follicle tests. Order, take, and receive results smoothly with our privacy-focused approach.

Our user-friendly procedure ensures that privacy remains paramount, addressing any concerns regarding confidentiality.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering affordable pricing with swift turnaround times in Tonawanda, NY, our services ensure exceptional value for various organizations.

With competitive rates and quick results, we provide peace of mind and a robust solution for drug testing needs.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Tonawanda, NY, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed. The ability to precisely detect substances provides stakeholders with confidence in the results.

Known for being both fast and accurate, hair follicle testing assures decision-makers of a trustworthy process, facilitating a safer and more secure environment.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Tonawanda, NY, using hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, fostering a safe and lawful environment.

Ensuring compliance not only enhances workplace safety but also reduces the legal risks, providing peace of mind.

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