Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a record keeper for alcohol and drugs, capturing biomarkers within the hair structure as it grows. With strands taken close to the scalp, hair can showcase a detection span of nearly three months for alcohol and drug intake. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil's diameter) taken near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair—ideal for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, added analyses, or extensive tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. It's recommended to use a jeweler's scale for specimen measurement. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. Head hair refers solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (like facial or underarm hair).
Process Overview
Drug test result processing in the lab consists of four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts the lab process by entering the sample into the system. This includes confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, giving it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling any extra data requirements not met by the electronic chain of custody.
Screening acts as a preliminary check for substance abuse. Though Screening is economical for excluding drug use in most samples, positive results necessitate confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
For samples marked positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is drawn from the original sample for Extraction prep. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), emphasizing hair drug testing's complexity.
Positive findings from the screening are validated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives are washed before confirmation if needed. The lab procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidance and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
When considering drug testing options in Felts Mills, NY, hair follicle testing stands out as a superior alternative to traditional urine tests. This method offers improved detection accuracy and reliability, providing a clear advantage. Hair testing delivers a longer detection period for drug use, ensuring that employers get a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history. This makes it a favorable choice.
Employers in Felts Mills, NY, find hair follicle testing particularly useful due to its extended detection window. It can identify drug use over a longer period, often up to 90 days. This extended frame allows employers to have a detailed view of a potential employee's or applicant's substance usage history, contributing to informed decision-making and enhanced workplace safety.
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering in Felts Mills, NY. Unlike other testing methods that may be susceptible to adulteration, hair testing ensures the integrity of results. This tamper-resistant method ensures that outcomes are unquestionable, providing both individuals and employers with the confidence that their results reflect true substance use behaviors.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient and accessible testing locations across Felts Mills, NY, and throughout the nation. Our widespread centers make it easy and hassle-free for individuals to partake in drug testing processes. The nationwide reach ensures that no matter where you are, prompt and efficient testing is readily available.
In Felts Mills, NY, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. The entire procedure, from ordering to taking the test and receiving results, is designed to ensure privacy and ease of use, reassuring individuals and companies that their information remains confidential while enjoying streamlined testing services.
Competitive pricing and quick turnaround times characterize the hair follicle testing services in Felts Mills, NY. By offering affordable rates and efficient services, companies of all sizes benefit from excellent value. The fast results and reasonable costs ensure that businesses can maintain high standards of employee safety without stretching their budgets.
Hair follicle drug tests in Felts Mills, NY are renowned for their swift and precise outcomes. Their capability to accurately detect a variety of substances ensures that results are reliable and trustworthy. The process not only delivers high accuracy but also provides results in a timely manner, making hair testing an ideal option for both employers and individuals seeking dependable testing solutions.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Felts Mills, NY, provides employers with compliance assurance and peace of mind. This method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities and improving overall safety. Employers can confidently rely on hair testing to uphold company policies, ensuring a safe and compliant working environment.