Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as a robust method, hair testing is pivotal for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the hair strands as they grow. If taken near the scalp, hair analysis offers a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair sample collection is uncomplicated, less prone to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
Obtain a 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (about as thick as a #2 pencil) from the scalp to acquire 100mg of hair, the perfect quantity for testing and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests surpassing 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It’s suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the hair. In cases where scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be gathered. Note that ‘head hair’ specifically refers to scalp hair. ‘Body hair’ encompasses all other varieties (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The key stages involved in the laboratory handling of a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial entry of a sample into a lab’s workflow. This step includes confirming proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not incorporated via an electronic chain of custody.
Screening represents a primary swift assessment for substance misuse. While Screening provides a budget-friendly means to discard drug use in the bulk of samples, a positive finding necessitates verification to stand in legal settings. Samples that show a presumptive positive result in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
In the event of a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), establishing hair drug testing as one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All indicative positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the testing procedure evaluates the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Wilmington, NY
In Wilmington, NY, hair testing stands out by offering superior detection capabilities compared to traditional urine tests. Hair tests can accurately reveal a long history of substance use, unlike urine tests which are limited to recent exposure. This makes hair testing far more reliable for employers and legal authorities seeking comprehensive substance history.
Extended Detection Window in Wilmington, NY
One of the main advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection period, which can capture drug use history up to 90 days. This long window allows employers in Wilmington, NY, to assess an individual's substance use with a much broader perspective, providing invaluable insights into an applicant or employee's past behavior.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wilmington, NY
Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled resistance to tampering. In Wilmington, NY, this method significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring the integrity and reliability of the results. Hair samples cannot be easily manipulated, providing employers with confidence in the accuracy of the findings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Wilmington, NY
Accredited Drug Testing offers extensive testing facilities across the nation, including in Wilmington, NY. Our widespread network ensures quick and hassle-free access to testing services, making it easy for individuals and businesses to meet their testing needs without the inconvenience of long-distance travel.
Simple, Confidential Process in Wilmington, NY
The hair follicle testing procedure in Wilmington, NY, is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering the test to collecting the sample and receiving the results, every step is streamlined to protect privacy and provide ease of use, addressing any concerns about confidentiality and accessibility for all users.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Wilmington, NY
In Wilmington, NY, our competitive pricing structures, combined with quick turnaround times, offer excellent value for businesses of any size. Without compromising on quality or accuracy, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that all companies can afford reliable drug testing services while benefiting from our fast and efficient service.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Wilmington, NY
Hair follicle drug tests in Wilmington, NY, are renowned for their precision and speed. The testing process is meticulously designed to deliver results that are both fast and accurate, ensuring a high level of reliability. This makes hair follicle tests an excellent choice for employers seeking comprehensive and dependable substance use detection.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Wilmington, NY
Implementing hair follicle testing in Wilmington, NY, ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal issues and fostering a safer work environment. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are complying with regulations, which reduces potential liabilities and enhances overall business security.
