Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term substance use history by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to mail.
By taking a 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, one can obtain 100mg of hair, the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests over 10 panels, it's advised to collect 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" refers to any other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The core processes involved in the laboratory handling of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The step of Accessioning involves preliminarily processing a sample into the lab's system. This step ensures that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial swift assessment for substances of abuse. Though screening economically helps dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in legal settings. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the primary sample for the Extraction step. This step isolates drugs from hair at concentrations significantly lower than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is the most challenging technique to execute.
Authenticating any positive outcome from screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples that test presumptively positive are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certificate and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often called "hair follicle tests," the procedure evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In West Nyack, NY, hair follicle testing stands out against traditional urine tests for detecting drug use. The advantage lies in its superior accuracy and reliability, making it a preferred choice for employers and legal professionals. Compared to urine tests, which provide shorter detection windows, hair tests reveal detailed substance use history, making them a more comprehensive option.
Employers in West Nyack, NY benefit from the extensive detection window of hair follicle testing, which tracks drug use for up to 90 days. This method offers a thorough overview of an individual's substance history, giving a complete picture for making informed employment decisions. Hair tests are unparalleled in offering such a detailed history of drug consumption.
Hair follicle testing in West Nyack, NY significantly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. Due to its nature, hair testing provides results that are not only reliable but also difficult to tamper with. This method ensures trustworthy outcomes, giving peace of mind to employers and legal professionals regarding the integrity of the results.
West Nyack, NY residents can take advantage of our extensive network of testing centers nationwide. These strategic locations ensure easy and speedy access to hair follicle testing services. This convenience reduces the stress of accessing testing facilities, offering a streamlined experience for individuals and businesses alike.
In West Nyack, NY, ordering and conducting hair follicle tests is simple and confidential. The process is designed to maintain privacy and ease of use, addressing concerns about confidentiality. From ordering the test to receiving the results, the entire procedure is straightforward, ensuring a hassle-free experience for all clients.
Companies in West Nyack, NY appreciate our affordable pricing and swift turnaround on hair follicle tests. Our competitive pricing structure provides excellent value, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The fast results delivery further enhances this value, offering peace of mind and efficient management of testing needs.
Residents of West Nyack, NY can rely on hair follicle drug tests for their speed and accuracy. These tests precisely detect substance use, offering quick results without compromising reliability. Hair testing is valued for its high detection accuracy, providing clear results that support informed decision-making for employers and individuals alike.
Implementing hair follicle testing in West Nyack, NY enhances workplace safety and compliance with drug-free policies. By adhering to this testing method, employers mitigate legal risks and ensure a healthier workplace environment. This proactive approach to drug testing supports a secure and compliant organizational culture.
