Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol intake. Hair offers a lengthy history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When samples are taken near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month history of alcohol and drug use. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and simple to mail.
A sample length of 1.5 inches comprising around 200 strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the target sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, advanced testing, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weight of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair is not an option, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. Referring to head hair signifies scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result follows four main phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory system. This step ensures proper sealing and shipment of the sample, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data not captured via electronic custody systems.
Screening conducts a preliminary assessment for drug abuse. Though it is a budget-friendly approach to discount drug usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be court admissible. Any samples that are suspected positive at the Screening stage must undergo further confirmation.
For samples with suspected positive results during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and processed for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening as the most complex methodology to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All likely positive samples are cleaned before confirmation when required. The laboratory workflow from Accessioning through to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Keuka Park, NY, hair follicle tests provide a significant edge over urine tests in terms of detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests are common, hair tests offer longer detection windows, uncovering substance use that may have occurred up to 90 days prior. This deeper insight is invaluable for employers who need to enforce strict no-drug policies and for other entities that require thorough screening.
With up to a 90-day window of detection, hair follicle testing in Keuka Park, NY, paints a comprehensive picture of an individual's past drug usage. This extended detection period is crucial for employers who need to assess the substance use history of potential or current employees. Hair testing provides an extensive review of one's habits, allowing for well-informed employment decisions.
In Keuka Park, NY, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing sets it apart as a trustworthy choice. Unlike other methods easily manipulated, hair samples are difficult to alter, ensuring that the results are genuine and irrefutable. This aspect makes hair tests a preferred choice for those seeking unquestionable proof of drug use in their screening processes.
With convenient testing locations both nationwide and within Keuka Park, NY, accessing drug testing services has never been simpler. Our widespread network of centers ensures that individuals and companies can readily locate a facility that caters to their testing needs, removing the hurdles of complicated arrangements and delays.
The drug testing process in Keuka Park, NY, is made simple and confidential, alleviating concerns regarding privacy and ease. From ordering the test to receiving results, every step is designed to be straightforward and discreet, ensuring that user information remains protected while delivering accurate and timely test outcomes.
Offering affordable prices and fast turnaround, Keuka Park, NY, serves as a hub for cost-effective drug testing solutions. Our competitive pricing structures cater to businesses of various sizes, providing exceptional value by combining economic rates with the rapid availability of test results, ensuring peace of mind.
Hair follicle drug testing in Keuka Park, NY, is synonymous with speed and accuracy. These tests are designed to deliver precise results, quickly identifying substance usage with remarkable accuracy. This swiftness and precision make them ideal for organizations and individuals who seek reliable results without the delay, ensuring that decisions can be made confidently and swiftly.
Hair follicle drug testing supports peace of mind for employers in Keuka Park, NY, by fostering compliance with drug-free workplace mandates. These tests minimize the risk of legal complications and enhance employee safety, as businesses can establish and maintain environments governed by strict anti-drug regulations.