Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analyses are now acknowledged as an efficient means to determine drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a roughly 3-month period of substance detection. Collecting hair is straightforward, making it difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) close to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for screening and confirmation. In cases involving EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be gathered. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair only. "Body hair" covers all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in processing a drug test result in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s management system. This process ensures the sample was sealed and dispatched appropriately, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and enters any supplemental data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-effective approach to eliminate drug use for most samples, any positive result needs validation to be deemed court-acceptable. Samples evidencing a presumptive positive on Screening require subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample register a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair from the initial sample is used for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at a significantly reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Each presumptive positive specimen undergoes washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Waterloo, NY
The enhanced detection range of hair follicle tests offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. These tests provide a more reliable and accurate picture of an individual's drug use history, spanning up to 90 days, whereas urine tests are limited to recent use.
Hair tests not only last longer but also deliver more precise results, offering a trustable method for maintaining workplace safety and integrity. Their advanced detection ability puts them ahead of the curve in substance testing.
Extended Detection Window in Waterloo, NY
One of the most significant advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, which can reveal drug use up to 90 days prior. This wide timeframe grants employers a thorough understanding of a person's substance habits.
This comprehensive insight enables employers to make informed decisions about their team members' suitability and adherence to company policies, surpassing traditional methods in depth and scope.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Waterloo, NY
Hair follicle tests are consistently reliable because they minimize the risk of tampering. Unlike urine tests, hair samples are difficult to adulterate, ensuring authenticity and accuracy in results.
This resistance to tampering makes hair testing an ideal choice for entities needing unquestionable evidence of drug use, thereby maintaining the integrity of the testing process and safeguarding employer interests.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Waterloo, NY
With our expansive network of testing centers, getting hair follicle testing done is straightforward and accessible. Our widespread presence ensures you can conveniently access our facilities without any hassle.
The ease of access to our facilities streamlines the testing process, eliminating unnecessary travel and waiting times, making drug testing less inconvenient and more efficient.
Simple, Confidential Process in Waterloo, NY
Ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is a straightforward and confidential process. This ensures a smooth experience, while keeping user privacy at the forefront of our service.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Waterloo, NY
Our competitive pricing models ensure cost-effectiveness, without compromising on quality or speed. We offer quick result deliveries, providing excellent value for companies of all sizes.
Affinity to affordability and swift service sets us apart, fostering trust and satisfaction among our clients, while keeping expense concerns at bay with our efficient pricing strategies.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Waterloo, NY
Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled accuracy and speed in detecting substance use. This method ensures reliable results and quick turnaround times, providing a clear assessment of an individual's drug use history without error.
To ensure precise results, hair follicle testing employs advanced technology that effectively identifies any traces of substances. The fast processing times ensure minimal wait, giving employers immediate insights into drug usage.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Waterloo, NY
Hair follicle testing helps businesses comply with drug-free workplace requirements, thereby mitigating legal risks. This method enhances the security and safety of the work environment, offering peace of mind to employers.
Through precise testing methods and reliable results, companies can uphold strict safety policies and maintain high standards of workplace safety and legality, ensuring both compliance and tranquility.
