Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by encasing biomarkers within the hair's fibers as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for both alcohol and other drug substances. It's easy to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for both screening and verification. For testing protocols like EtG, additional evaluations, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to assess the sample weight is advised. In instances where scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be obtained. In this context, head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other varieties (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory evaluation for drug test results encompasses four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial sample processing phase within a lab's system and entails ensuring the sample's seal and proper shipment, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entries not handled by an electronic custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary scan for abusive drug presence. While Screening is economically advantageous for negating drug use in most samples, confirmation is needed for a positive result to be valid in legal proceedings. Any samples presumptively positive at this stage require further verification.
Should a sample appear positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and subjected to Extraction. Here, drug substances are separated from hair in significantly lower volumes compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug analysis the most intricate approach.
Verification of any positive screen outcome uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. All samples preliminarily positive are cleansed prior to verification if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning through Verification is examined following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite frequently being labeled as "hair follicle tests," these tests analyze the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Wellsville, NY, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Notably, it ensures greater detection accuracy due to its extended detection period, making it more reliable. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis can reveal long-term substance use history, making it a superior choice for thorough screening processes.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Wellsville, NY provides employers with a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance use habits, stretching back up to 90 days. This broad insight enables informed decisions based on an applicant's or employee's long-term actions, thus fostering a safer and more reliable workplace.
In Wellsville, NY, hair follicle testing is a robust method, drastically minimizing the risk of sample tampering. The challenges associated with adulterating a hair sample ensure that results are dependable and beyond question, supporting a stringent and uncontaminated testing process.
In Wellsville, NY, and nationwide, our testing centers offer unmatched convenience. We ensure swift and stress-free access to drug testing services, no matter where you are. With so many locations, getting the testing you need is both quick and hassle-free.
The process for hair follicle testing in Wellsville, NY is designed to be straightforward and discreet. From ordering to receiving results, every step is managed with attention to confidentiality and simplicity, addressing any privacy concerns and providing an easy testing experience.
In Wellsville, NY, our hair follicle drug testing stands out for its competitive pricing and swift results. We offer excellent value, ensuring a fast turnaround for companies of various sizes, delivering both cost-effectiveness and assurance.
In Wellsville, NY, hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and swiftness. Leveraging the advanced capabilities of these tests ensures the rapid and reliable detection of substance use. With their uncanny accuracy, hair tests outshine other methods, providing certainty and prompt results that stakeholders trust.
For employers in Wellsville, NY, hair follicle testing assures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks. By integrating this method, employers can maintain safety and foster a dependable working environment, promoting productivity and peace of mind for all involved.
