Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for detecting alcohol and drug usage. It offers a prolonged history of substance intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair samples can offer a detection span of up to roughly three months for drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and conveniently transportable.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches from about 200 hair strands (comparable in thickness to a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the perfect quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair lacks availability, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. Here, head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, and body hair covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug testing procedure involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample into the laboratory’s system, which includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any lacking data entry that an electronic chain of custody system doesn't provide.
Screening serves as a preliminary check for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, positive results must be verified to be valid for judicial purposes. Any samples yielding a tentative positive result in Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in Screening, more hair is collected from the original specimen for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are drawn out from hair at a significantly lower concentration than found in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of conducting hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screen results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples go through washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", this test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing proves superior in several aspects compared to traditional urine tests. In Waddington, NY, they offer superior detection accuracy over longer durations and enhanced reliability. Hair tests provide a broader spectrum for detection, making them a preferred method for those faced with strict drug policies and offering reliable results compared to urine tests, which may miss recent consumption unless used within a short timeframe.
Waddington, NY organizations benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window. The ability to track substance use for up to 90 days offers employers a thorough view of an individual’s drug history, allowing better-informed recruitment and management decisions. This extended capability means past substance use is collectible, giving a holistic insight into a person's long-term habits and tendencies.
Employing hair follicle tests in Waddington, NY minimizes manipulation risks. Unlike urine samples, hair-based tests are nearly impossible to adulterate, providing a much more secure and legitimate method of drug testing. The integrity of these tests assures reliable results, reducing chances of false negatives and enhancing the authenticity of the test outcomes while promoting fair evaluations.
They signal a commitment to accuracy.
With our extensive network, accessing drug testing services in Waddington, NY is easier than ever. Convenient nationwide locations ensure the hassle-free delivery of tests. Whether local or far-reaching, we cater to needs across the board, offering timely and accessible service to match your schedule and location, streamlining the testing process with minimal inconvenience.
The process of initiating a hair follicle test in Waddington, NY is not just simple but also ensures confidentiality. From order placement to sample collection and result reception, every step is designed with privacy in mind. Transparency and ease underscore this process, making it user-friendly while assuring clients their personal information remains secure and discreet.
In Waddington, NY, our hair follicle tests offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality. We strike a balance between swift turnaround times and cost-effectiveness, presenting exceptional value for businesses, regardless of size. Quick results coupled with affordability provide a strategic advantage, facilitating informed decisions while safeguarding economic interests.
In the realm of drug testing in Waddington, NY, hair follicle tests offer unmatched accuracy and speed. These tests don't just provide fast results, but they ensure their precision by capturing substance traces effectively. Designed to detect drug presence with great accuracy, these hair tests are a reliable choice for swift and truthful assessments.
The results offer trust and clarity, often critical in deciding employment and personal integrity matters.
Hair follicle testing fosters compliance and security for employers in Waddington, NY. By maintaining drug-free work environments, these tests help decrease legal concerns and strengthen workplace safety protocols. Their use is not just a regulatory step, but a means to ensure peace of mind, promoting health, safety, and policy adherence, ensuring a drug-free professional setting seamlessly.
