Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing has established itself as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within its growing strands. When sampled close to the head, hair can offer a detection window of up to around three months for drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample, consisting of approximately 200 strands (akin to the width of a #2 pencil), amounts to 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's suggested to measure the hair on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When referencing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (e.g., facial, axillary).
Overview of the Procedure
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a lab's system. This process includes confirming the sample’s appropriate sealing and shipping, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not handled via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for the presence of drug abuse. While it’s a cost-efficient means to dismiss drug use for most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for courtroom acceptance. Any samples with a presumptive positive during Screening must undergo further confirmation.
In case a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and processed for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at concentrations significantly lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is especially challenging.
Confirmation of any preliminary positive screen is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All suspected positive samples are washed before confirmation, if required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated in accordance with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of Hair Drug Screening:
Constraints:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
When comparing hair follicle tests with traditional urine tests in Weston Mills, NY, one can see substantial advantages. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and covers a broader history of drug use. Employers benefit from this thorough method to ensure zero-tolerance policies are upheld, making hair tests a preferred choice over more traditional urine tests.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing in Weston Mills, NY, provides a significant advantage with its extended detection window. Covering up to 90 days of substance use, it allows employers a comprehensive overview of an individual's drug history, unlike other testing methods. This long-term insight is crucial for maintaining safe and compliant workplaces.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
One of the standout features of hair follicle tests in Weston Mills, NY, is their resistance to tampering. The method considerably minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable and indisputable results. This robust testing process upholds integrity and trust, critical in sensitive situations requiring accurate drug use data.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Our extensive network, including locations in Weston Mills, NY, provides hassle-free access to drug testing services. Nationwide testing centers ensure quick and easy processing, minimizing disruptions. Our local presence offers unparalleled convenience, making the whole process accessible and efficient.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Weston Mills, NY, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to taking tests and receiving results, we prioritize privacy and ease of use. Addressing any concerns around confidentiality, this streamlined process ensures comfort and reliability for all participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Weston Mills, NY businesses benefit from our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times. Offering excellent value, our drug testing services cater to companies of every size, balancing cost-effectiveness with the assurance of fast and reliable results, bringing peace of mind and financial efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Weston Mills, NY, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed. The method provides high accuracy in detecting recent substance use, offering rapid and reliable results. The efficiency of this testing approach ensures that individuals can quickly receive confirmation of their status, supporting informed decisions for employers and individuals alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
In Weston Mills, NY, hair follicle testing plays a key role in ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By reducing legal risks and enhancing safety, this method provides businesses peace of mind. Employers can rest assured knowing they’re maintaining a safe and compliant environment for their workforce.
