Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extended history of substance use due to the entrapment of biomarkers within the hair strands as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and other substances. It is easy to gather hair samples, challenging to tamper with them, and convenient to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for examination and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a matching amount of body hair may be taken. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair alone. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in the laboratory encompasses four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the early handling of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This step confirms the sample was sealed and sent correctly, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes further data entry not incorporated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid test for substances of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug usage on most samples, a positive screen must be verified for court acceptance. Samples preliminarily positive during Screening mandate further confirmation.
Should a sample be presumed positive during Screening, additional hair is drawn from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory operation from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation along with the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Coxsackie, NY by offering exceptional detection and reliability. Compared to traditional urine tests, hair testing provides a longer detection period and is notoriously difficult to evade.
Extended Detection Window in Coxsackie, NY offers a more comprehensive insight into an individual's substance history. Hair testing detects drug use over a 90-day window, ensuring employers have an in-depth view of history. This makes hair follicle testing an invaluable tool for maintaining compliance and evaluating the past use consistently over time.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Coxsackie, NY significantly reduces tampering risks. Utilizing hair samples, this method provides some of the most trustworthy results available, as samples cannot be easily adulterated. The integrity of hair testing is vital for sensitive testing scenarios requiring unquestionable results.
The Convenience of Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Coxsackie, NY simplifies accessing our services. With Centers nationwide, testing remains quick and hassle-free. This expansive network guarantees accessibility for individuals and businesses alike, ensuring seamless testing experiences.
Simple, Confidential Process in Coxsackie, NY assures privacy and ease every step of the way. Ordering, taking, and receiving results remain straightforward, ensuring confidentiality and a stress-free experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Coxsackie, NY highlight competitive pricing and rapid response times. Providing outstanding value, our structures suit companies of different sizes, ensuring reliability and cost-efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Coxsackie, NY emphasize the precision of hair follicle drug tests. These tests demonstrate high accuracy in detecting substance usage efficiently, ensuring the detection aligns with stringent standards. When timely results are crucial, hair testing offers a robust solution that minimizes the waiting period without compromising on result quality.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Coxsackie, NY is ensured through hair follicle testing. This method aligns with workplace drug-free strategies and mitigates legal risks, fostering a safe working environment.
