Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly regarded as an effective method for uncovering alcohol and drug consumption. The hair retains a historical record of drug and alcohol use due to markers being encased within the hair shaft as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, hair can yield a detection period of up to three months for substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hairs (akin to the size of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp, will weigh 100mg, which is the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding ten, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It is recommended to use a jeweler’s scale for measuring the hair. If scalp hair is lacking, a similar portion of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in processing a drug test in a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing in the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not automatically provided.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for drug presence. While Screening offers a cost-effective means to eliminate drug use for most samples, any positive result requires confirmation to be valid for legal proceedings. Samples that are possibly positive in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample show a potential positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at far lower concentrations than in alternative methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
The Confirmation of any positive screen is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating a potential positive result are cleaned prior to confirmation as required. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in New York, NY
The superiority of hair testing over urine tests is increasingly recognized. Hair tests offer enhanced detection accuracy and reliability, especially ideal for New York, NY employers and organizations. With a longer detection window, professionals can make informed decisions with greater confidence.
Extended Detection Window in New York, NY
Hair follicle testing gives employers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, covering up to 90 days. This extended detection timeframe means employers in New York, NY can better assess an employee's or applicant's past drug use for more informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in New York, NY
The hair follicle test is a major step in reducing the risk of sample adulteration. Unlike other methods, hair tests are nearly impossible to cheat, providing New York, NY businesses with reliable and unquestionable results, crucial for maintaining integrity in drug screening processes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in New York, NY
Our network of nationwide testing centers ensures that residents of New York, NY have quick and easy access to reliable testing services. This convenience allows for hassle-free and prompt testing, wherever you are.
Simple, Confidential Process in New York, NY
The straightforward process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results in New York, NY respects privacy while ensuring ease of use. Each step is designed to safeguard confidentiality and simplify the experience for all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in New York, NY
Our competitive pricing models and swift result turnaround times provide excellent value for New York, NY businesses. This efficiency and affordability make our hair follicle testing services accessible to companies of every scale, ensuring peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in New York, NY
Hair follicle drug tests are incredibly precise and rapid, perfect for detecting substance use. Their high accuracy rate makes them an indispensable tool for employers and institutions. In New York, NY, this testing method ensures that results are obtained swiftly and reliably, offering peace of mind to those who need them.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in New York, NY
Utilizing hair follicle testing is an excellent way for New York, NY employers to ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method not only minimizes legal risks but also enhances overall safety and compliance, offering peace of mind.
