Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a compelling technique for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures an extended record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Obtaining a sample close to the scalp can offer a detection window of up to around 3 months for alcohol and various drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (akin to the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp typically yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for testing and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. Measuring the specimen with a jeweler's scale is recommended. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar mass of body hair can be gathered. When referring to head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses all other hair variants (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial handling of a sample within a lab's system. This step verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any unaddressed data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening efficiently excludes drug use in most samples, a positive indication must be substantiated for court acceptance. Any samples presumptively positive in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations significantly lower than those in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is notably challenging.
The Confirmation of any presumptive positive result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated per the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Malta, NY, the benefits are clear. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability over extended periods.
Hair follicle tests provide a more comprehensive insight into substance use history, making them more effective than urine tests, which only capture recent usage.
In Malta, NY, one of the significant advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior.
This extensive detection period allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history, offering a more reliable assessment.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Malta, NY, ensures dependable results by minimizing the risk of sample adulteration.
This testing method offers unquestionable accuracy, providing peace of mind due to its resistance to tampering or manipulation.
In Malta, NY, the availability of convenient nationwide testing locations makes accessing testing services quick and hassle-free.
Individuals and employers benefit from the ease of testing at numerous local centers, ensuring timely completion of the testing process without logistical headaches.
The process for obtaining, undertaking, and receiving results from hair follicle tests in Malta, NY, is designed to be simple and confidential.
Addressing privacy concerns, this streamlined approach ensures that participants can engage with the testing procedures comfortably and discreetly.
In Malta, NY, competitive pricing structures for hair follicle testing ensure affordability without compromising on quality.
Companies of all sizes benefit from the fast turnaround times and cost-effectiveness, reinforcing the exceptional value received from these services.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests stand out remarkably in Malta, NY. Their ability to swiftly detect substance use with high accuracy makes them an ideal choice for many.
Opting for hair follicle testing offers fast and reliable results, ensuring that employers and individuals receive accurate information about substance use without delay.
For employers in Malta, NY, hair follicle testing offers compliance with workplace drug policies, reducing risks and promoting a safer environment.
By using this testing method, employers can ensure adherence to drug-free operations, providing peace of mind and reducing legal liabilities.
