Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as an effective means to identify drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing offers a comprehensive historical account of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of growing hair strands. Hair collected from near the scalp can indicate drug and alcohol usage for up to approximately three months. The collection process is straightforward, making it hard to tamper with, and it is convenient to transport.
For screening and confirmation, a 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the size of a #2 pencil) yields 100mg, which is the preferred sample size. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It is recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In instances where scalp hair cannot be obtained, a proportional amount of body hair should be collected. The term "head hair" exclusively pertains to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" covers other variations such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in processing drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves integrating a sample into a lab's workflow, which includes confirming proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addressing any additional data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody.
During Screening, an initial drug abuse check is conducted. Although it's a cost-effective method for eliminating drug use in most samples, positive results from Screening must be affirmed for legal acceptability. Any samples with preliminary positive results in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial collection and prepared for the Extraction stage. At this point, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other techniques like urine or oral fluid tests, thus making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are used to affirm any positive screening outcomes. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. Both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation oversee the complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", these analyses target the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Tuscarora, NY, the advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine testing are clear. Hair tests are lauded for superior detection accuracy and consistency. While urine tests focus on recent drug use, hair tests offer a longer detection period, providing more comprehensive insights. This method reduces the possibility of inaccurate results, positioning hair testing as the more trustworthy choice.
With a detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Tuscarora, NY provides an extensive view of substance use history. This longer observation period offers employers a thorough assessment of a candidate or employee's drug use, which is unparalleled by other testing methods and thus invaluable for informed decision-making.
Hair follicle testing in Tuscarora, NY is highly resistant to tampering, significantly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. The certainty provided by these tests is crucial, delivering results that hold up to scrutiny and stand unquestioned in various professional and legal settings.
Our Tuscarora, NY facilities and nationwide testing centers simplify access to drug testing services. Whether close to home or afar, the convenience of numerous locations ensures straightforward and stress-free testing, accommodating individuals and businesses alike.
In Tuscarora, NY, the process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering to collecting samples and receiving results, every step safeguards privacy, easing concerns about data protection and confidentiality. This ease of use is ideal for all users.
With competitive pricing and rapid result delivery, our Tuscarora, NY hair follicle testing services offer excellent value. Quick turnaround times ensure you're never left waiting, providing peace of mind regardless of your company's size or industry.
Hair follicle drug tests in Tuscarora, NY, are renowned for their quick and accurate results. Their high precision in detecting drug use presents a more reliable alternative, effectively pinpointing substance use with unmatched accuracy. With speed and reliability as key features, hair tests significantly enhance confidence in test outcomes.
Employers in Tuscarora, NY find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring alignment with drug-free workplace mandates. By reducing legal risks and boosting safety protocols, these tests uphold a company’s compliance standards, reinforcing a stronger workplace environment.
