Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now acknowledged as a potent means for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair provides an extended-term record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers in the fibers as hair grows. When cut close to the scalp, hair can offer nearly a three-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, moderately challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. We advise weighing the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, a comparable amount of body hair can be taken. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other hair types (like facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The principal steps involved in lab processing of a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This includes confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not available via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary quick examination for abuse drugs. While Screening offers a cost-efficient approach to dismiss drug use for many samples, a positive screen needs verification for court acceptance. Samples suspected as positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If a sample appears positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is fetched from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower levels compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Any positive screening result is verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All suspected positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Katonah, NY: Hair testing offers superior accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. Unlike urine samples, which can be tampered with, hair tests provide a comprehensive insight into drug use over an extended period. The enhanced detection capabilities make hair testing the preferred choice for many organizations and professionals seeking accurate results.
Extended Detection Window in Katonah, NY: Hair follicle testing provides a thorough analysis of drug use, covering up to 90 days. This extended detection window allows employers to garner a complete understanding of an individual’s substance history, rather than just recent use. By employing this method, organizations ensure they make informed decisions based on clear and comprehensive records.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Katonah, NY: Hair follicle tests dramatically reduce the risk of sample adulteration. Providing reliable and unquestionable outcomes, hair testing offers a significant advantage over types of analysis that are more prone to manipulation. By utilizing this secure method, confidence in the results is assured, promoting trust and accuracy in testing protocols.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Sites in Katonah, NY: Our expansive network of testing centers ensures ease of access and convenience, no matter where you are. With facilities across the country, including in Katonah, NY, the process is painless and swift. Easy availability means faster service and less hassle for all testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Katonah, NY: The procedure for requesting and receiving hair follicle drug test results is straightforward and discreet. Respecting privacy, the process is designed to minimize complications and concerns, ensuring that individuals and employers feel secure and informed while benefitting from a smooth testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Katonah, NY: Our competitive pricing structure guarantees exceptional value for companies of every size, ensuring budget-friendly solutions without compromising on quality. Additionally, quick turnaround times mean peace of mind is just around the corner, as companies can rely on timely results to make expedient and informed decisions.
Hair follicle drug testing in Katonah, NY, offers precision and swiftness, delivering rapid and reliable results. Hair testing's high accuracy in detecting substance use ensures that employers have a clear picture of an individual's drug history. This testing method quickly identifies substances, providing clear and actionable insights.
Trust in the fast and accurate results of hair tests to maintain a drug-free environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Katonah, NY: Utilizing hair follicle testing aids in enforcing compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities while promoting safety. Reliable drug testing is essential for maintaining a secure environment, and hair tests give employers assurance in their diligence to uphold workplace standards.
