Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drug use by encasing biomarkers within the fiber structure of hair growth. When cut near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use over a detection span of up to roughly 3 months. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample containing roughly 200 hair strands (approximating the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides around 100mg, which is the optimal sample amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, any additional tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. It's recommended to use a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, a comparable volume of body hair may be collected. When discussing head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core procedures in laboratory drug test result processing are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the foremost processing of a sample into a laboratory's system. This stage includes confirming the sample was sealed, shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as an initial swift evaluation for abusive drug use. Although cost-effective for excluding drug misuse across most samples, a positive screening must be verified to hold up in court. Any samples that appear positive during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. This stage involves removing drugs from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Prior to confirmation, all samples that presumptively tested positive may be washed if needed. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes assessment in line with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle tests with traditional urine analyses in West Hampton Dunes, NY, the former clearly excels. Hair testing extends the detection period significantly, offering superior accuracy and reliability. While urine tests capture recent drug use effectively, hair tests provide a comprehensive view that enriches understanding and decision-making.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in West Hampton Dunes, NY, is its extended detection window. Unlike other methods, it can track drug use for up to 90 days. This prolonged period unveils a thorough substance use history, aiding employers in making well-informed decisions regarding potential or current employees.
Hair follicle tests employed in West Hampton Dunes, NY, are remarkably resistant to tampering. The process virtually eliminates sample adulteration risks, guaranteeing authentic results. This robust reliability ensures trustworthy data for employers and other stakeholders, helping secure objective conclusions in substance testing.
The convenience of nationwide and local testing centers in West Hampton Dunes, NY, makes hair follicle testing easily accessible. With numerous facilities available, individuals and organizations can quickly and effortlessly arrange for tests, ensuring minimal disruption and maximal convenience in accessing crucial testing services.
In West Hampton Dunes, NY, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to collecting samples and receiving results, each step safeguards privacy and enhances ease of use. This streamlined approach addresses common concerns, ensuring a user-friendly experience from start to finish.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid results, hair follicle testing in West Hampton Dunes, NY, provides businesses with excellent value. The cost-effective nature, combined with swift turnaround times, ensure that companies of all sizes can benefit without compromising on quality or reliability in substance evaluation.
In West Hampton Dunes, NY, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed, precision, and reliability. They provide a swift turnaround while maintaining high accuracy, capturing substance use with remarkable finesse. This method's efficiency is unmatched, setting a new standard for timely and dependable drug testing results.
Employers in West Hampton Dunes, NY, can find peace of mind through hair follicle testing. It aligns with drug-free workplace policies, diminishing legal liabilities and bolstering safety standards. By choosing this method, companies reinforce compliance and create a safer, healthier professional environment.