Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Dix Hills, NY

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is regarded as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers into the strands of growing hair. Collected near the scalp, hair can provide up to a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to ship.

A hair sample of about 1.5 inches, containing around 200 strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) from the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen quantity of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be obtained. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of drug test results encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab's system. This step verifies the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and accomplishes any additional data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a swift initial assessment for drugs of misuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in court. Samples presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.

If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods, such as urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is undertaken via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are pre-washed as required prior to confirmation. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extensive detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which offer a shorter detection period.
• Difficult to tamper with: Cheating a hair drug test is very challenging, which enhances the accuracy of the results.
• Provides historical insight: It can reveal a pattern of drug use over time, not only recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: It requires about 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be more costly than other drug testing methods.
• Variability in results: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Commonly misnamed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicles under the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Dix Hills, NY

• Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy compared to urine.
• Reliability is improved, reducing false negatives and positives.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Dix Hills, NY

• Hair follicle testing identifies drug use over a prolonged duration.
• Employers receive a detailed view of an individual's substance history.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Dix Hills, NY

• Hair tests lower risks associated with sample adulteration.
• Results are reliable and beyond dispute.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Dix Hills, NY

• Numerous testing centers provide easy access to services.
• Testing is quick and hassle-free.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Dix Hills, NY

• Testing and results are handled in a straightforward, private manner.
• Client confidentiality remains a top priority throughout.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Dix Hills, NY

• Competitive pricing and swift result times offer great value.
• Peace of mind for businesses of all sizes is ensured.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Dix Hills, NY

• The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests set them apart.
• Detection methods are highly accurate, ensuring confidence in results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Dix Hills, NY

• Hair testing aligns with workplace drug policies, ensuring safety.
• Legal risks are minimized, promoting a secure work environment.

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