Introduction
Hair follicle testing has gained significant importance in various aspects of life, especially in New York City. In a bustling metropolis like New York, where businesses thrive, legal requirements exist, and concerns about public safety are high, hair follicle testing serves multiple purposes. This guide aims to provide you with comprehensive information about plastic hospitals (testing centers) in New York City that offer hair follicle testing services. We'll cover everything from the basics of hair follicle testing to the best places to get tested and what to expect during the process.
Understanding Hair Follicle Testing
What is Hair Follicle Testing?
Hair follicle testing is an examination that uses a small sample of hair to identify specific drugs used by the person being tested. According to the information from accredited drug testing sources, a hair follicle drug test measures the drug molecules and their specific metabolites that are produced only after the drug has been processed by the human body. After the drug is processed, trace amounts of its metabolites are inserted into the hair follicle by the bloodstream. This method can detect drug use going back about 90 days.
Benefits of Hair Follicle Testing
- Long Detection Period: A major advantage over urine tests, which can usually check back around 30 days. A hair follicle test can cover a period of up to three months or longer, as mentioned in the top Google search results. This allows for a better understanding of an individual's long - term drug use history. For example, employers can get a more comprehensive view of an employee's past drug - related behavior.
- Hard to “Cheat”: Special shampoos and color - treating hair do not prevent testing from showing the presence of drugs. This makes hair follicle testing a more reliable option for accurate results.
- Relatively Non - invasive: Even cutting a small section of hair for a test is not as invasive as taking blood or asking for a urine sample. Employees generally feel more comfortable with this testing process.
- Few False Positives: Standard drug tests can sometimes show false positives if someone is around friends or family members who have smoked. This is less of an issue with hair testing.
Drawbacks of Hair Follicle Testing
- Expense: In some cases, hair follicle testing is slightly more expensive than urine testing. This can be a concern for companies on a budget, as noted in the information about hair follicle testing in New York City.
- Recent Drug Use May Not Show Up: It can take up to 5 days for drug use to show in a hair follicle test. So, if you want to detect very recent drug use, a urine test might be a better option.
- Hair Must Be Cut: Although the test only requires a few hairs, it can be a problem for some employees who are sensitive about the issue.
Popular Drug Panels in Hair Follicle Testing
5 - Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test
This panel screens for the following drugs:
- Amphetamine
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine
5 - Panel w/ Expanded Opiates Hair Follicle Drug Test
This test screens for the standard 5 drugs in the 5 - panel test and also includes opiate class drugs such as painkillers, which may indicate abuse of prescription drugs. The additional drugs are:
- Codeine
- Morphine
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- 6 - am - heroine
10 - Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test
The 10 - panel hair follicle drug test screens for:
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine
- Propoxyphene
12 - Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test
The 12 - panel hair follicle drug test screens for:
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Meperidine
- Methadone
- Opiates
- Oxycodone
- Phencyclidine
- Propoxyphene
- Tramadol
Hair Follicle Testing Process
Sample Collection
The procedure used to perform a hair follicle test is relatively simple. The drug testing specialist will cut approximately 120 strands of hair (which is not a large amount). Drug testing centers typically require at least 1.5 inches of hair to perform this test, and the hair generally needs to come from the head. However, if the donor does not have head hair, certain testing centers can use hair from the chest, leg, or armpit. But if a donor has no hair on their body, a hair test cannot be performed.
Chain of Custody
A chain of custody procedure is utilized to ensure the integrity of the sample. This means that there is a clear record of who has handled the hair sample from the moment it is collected until it reaches the laboratory for analysis.
Lab Analysis
The collected hair sample is sent to a certified laboratory for analysis. Once the hair follicles have been analyzed by the laboratory, they will then be reviewed and verified by a medical review officer (a licensed physician) who will then release the results.
Result Timeframe
Generally, a negative hair follicle drug test result is available in 2 - 3 days. A non - negative hair follicle drug test is available in approximately 5 days. However, some sources mention that it can take a minimum of 7 business days to receive results, with negative results returning in 2 to 4 business days.
Cut - off Levels
Urine cut - off levels are expressed in nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) or as a weight of drug per unit volume of urine. Hair cut - off levels are expressed in picograms per milligram (pg/mg) or as a weight of drug per unit weight of hair.
Plastic Hospitals (Testing Centers) in New York City
Accredited Drug Testing Inc.
Accredited Drug Testing Inc. provides hair follicle drug testing in various areas of New York City, including Queens and Brooklyn. In Queens, to schedule a hair follicle drug test, you can call (800) 221 - 4291. Most of their testing centers are within minutes of your home or office. In Brooklyn, the same phone number can be used to schedule a test. They offer 5, 10, and 12 - panel drug screenings. Their local centers have certified drug testing technicians available to conduct a hair follicle drug test collection and assist clients throughout the entire process.
Health Street
Health Street is another option for hair follicle testing in New York City. They offer a wide range of drug testing services, including hair drug screenings. To get a hair follicle test, you can follow these steps:
- Choose your test. Options include DOT and non - DOT urine drug tests, hair drug screenings, breath alcohol tests, and ETG alcohol tests.
- Register online in just minutes.
- Get a barcode instantly via text or email, along with directions to one of their 16 conveniently located drug testing centers.
FAQs about Hair Follicle Testing in New York City
Does a hair follicle test require a doctor’s order?
Hair follicle tests do not need a doctor’s order. Any drug test does not require a doctor’s order. However, you can discuss the test results with your physician if you wish.
Why choose a hair follicle test instead of a urine test?
Consumers may want to check their drug status for personal reasons related to a court situation, employment potential, or just to monitor their status. Employers normally request a hair follicle test for pre - employment testing, especially in safety - sensitive jobs, because of its longer detection period.
Is there any preparation for a hair follicle drug test?
The only requirement is to make sure your hair is clean before the test is conducted. It is also recommended that you avoid using bleaches and other chemicals if you are planning to have a hair follicle test.
How safe is it to have a hair follicle test if a person is pregnant?
It is totally non - invasive and there is no risk to the mother or the baby. The test is completely safe.
Are appointments required for a hair follicle test?
It is highly recommended that an appointment is made, but walk - ins are often welcome at many testing centers.
Does hair dye affect the results of a hair follicle test?
It has been shown scientifically that hair color does not impact the results of a hair follicle test.
Can a sample of hair collected from a device be used to test?
Yes, a hair sample from an item like a hairbrush can be used to test the hair sample. However, the donor will not be named, and it cannot be legally admissible.
Conclusion
Hair follicle testing in New York City offers a valuable tool for employers, legal authorities, and individuals to assess drug use over an extended period. With its long detection period and relative reliability, it has become a popular choice for various drug - testing needs. Whether you're an employer looking to maintain a drug - free workplace, a court - ordered individual, or someone wanting to check your own drug status, there are several reliable testing centers in the city, such as Accredited Drug Testing Inc. and Health Street, that can provide high - quality hair follicle testing services.
If you're considering a hair follicle test, we encourage you to take the next step. Contact one of the testing centers mentioned in this guide, ask any additional questions you may have, and schedule your test. Share this information with others who might benefit from it, and stay informed about the latest developments in hair follicle testing and drug - testing regulations in New York City.
