Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
In recent years, hair testing has emerged as a significant method for identifying substance and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extended timeline of drug or alcohol usage by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate three-month detection period for alcohol and substances. It’s straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A hair segment measuring 1.5 inches and comprising roughly 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is perfect for analysis and confirmation. For EtG additions and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, a corresponding quantity of body hair is acceptable. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair refers to any other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Procedural Summary
There are four crucial stages in lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the first processing of a sample into a lab’s database. This process involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any further data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial analysis for misuse of drugs. Although Screening serves as an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result in the screen demands confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any screening results suggesting positivity necessitate a verification step.
If a Screening test hints at positivity, additional hair is extracted from the base sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), which makes hair testing the most complex method to execute.
Verification of any positive screen result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Any samples with preliminary positive results are cleaned before confirmation if required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated according to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards along with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation requirements.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Constraints:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the assessment focuses on analyzing the hair strand rather than the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Water Mill, NY
Comparing hair tests with traditional urine analyses highlights a superior detection capability of the former. Hair testing’s extended detection period and resistance to tampering make it a reliable choice, providing an extensive overview of substance use history, whereas urine tests may miss prolonged patterns in individuals who circumvent detection methods.
Extended Detection Window in Water Mill, NY
Hair follicle tests provide a far-reaching look into substance use with a testing window extending up to 90 days. This advantage offers employers a detailed history of an individual's drug use, far exceeding the short-term detection of urine tests. It’s an invaluable tool for understanding long-term habits, especially valuable during hiring processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Water Mill, NY
One of the core strengths of hair follicle testing is its strong resistance to sample adulteration. The reliability of this method ensures that results remain authentic and steadfast, eliminating uncertainties often arising from tampered samples. This makes hair tests particularly suitable for maintaining genuine results in environments where integrity is essential.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Water Mill, NY
With a vast network of testing centers spread across towns and cities nationwide, including here in Water Mill, hair follicle tests are highly accessible. This convenience allows for a streamlined process, ensuring quick and effortless access, so no company or individual has to travel far for reliable testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Water Mill, NY
From ordering to sampling and finally receiving results, the process of hair follicle testing is designed to be straightforward and private. Concerns about privacy are addressed through discreet handling of samples and communication, ensuring peace of mind for all participants. Simplicity in use underscores its efficiency and user-friendliness.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Water Mill, NY
With competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times, hair follicle testing provides excellent value for businesses of any size. This efficiency does not sacrifice quality, ensuring that budgetary constraints don’t limit access to reliable drug testing options. This balance enhances value and peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Water Mill, NY
Hair follicle testing offers unparalleled precision when measuring substance use. With its rapid processing and dedication to accuracy, this method quickly identifies even minute traces, ensuring dependable results for professional settings. Applicants and employees alike can trust results to be accurate and delivered swiftly, an asset for any workplace environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Water Mill, NY
Employers can rest easy knowing that hair follicle tests ensure strict compliance with drug-free policies. By mitigating legal risks and promoting workplace safety, these tests offer a sound defensive tool for any organization intent on upholding its safety and regulatory standards without compromising on thoroughness.
