New York City's Hair Follicle Testing Hospitals: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

New York City, a vibrant and diverse metropolis, is home to some of the world's leading hospitals and medical facilities. When it comes to hair follicle testing, these institutions offer a range of services, from drug testing to diagnosing hair - related medical conditions. In this article, we'll explore the top hair follicle testing hospitals in New York City, understand the importance of hair follicle testing, and learn about the different types of tests available.

Understanding Hair Follicle Testing

What is Hair Follicle Testing?

Hair follicle testing involves evaluating hair structure and DNA from cells attached to the root of the hair. It has multiple applications, such as forensic analysis to identify a person present at a crime scene, determining family relationships, and checking for poisoning caused by metals like lead or mercury. However, it is most commonly known for drug testing.

Hair is a protein that grows from hair follicles in the skin. After a drug is consumed, trace amounts of its metabolites are inserted into the hair follicle by the bloodstream. A hair follicle drug test can detect drug use going back about 90 days, which is a much longer detection period compared to urine tests, which usually check back around 30 days.

Types of Hair Follicle Drug Tests

• 5 Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: Screens for amphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, opiates, and phencyclidine.
• 5 Panel w/ Expanded Opiates Hair Follicle Drug Test: Screens for the standard 5 drugs plus additional opiate - class drugs like painkillers, which may indicate abuse of prescription drugs.
• 10 Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: Tests for amphetamines, marijuana, barbiturates, methadone, phencyclidine, benzodiazepines, methamphetamine, propoxyphene, cocaine, and opiates.
• 12 Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: Screens for amphetamines, marijuana, oxycodone, barbiturates, meperidine, phencyclidine, benzodiazepines, methadone, propoxyphene, cocaine, opiates, and tramadol.

The Process of Hair Follicle Testing

Sample Collection

The drug - testing specialist will cut approximately 120 strands of hair. Drug - testing centers require at least 1.5 inches of hair to perform the 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. If a donor has no hair on their body, a hair test cannot be performed. The sample collection process uses a chain of custody procedure to ensure the integrity of the sample.

Analysis and Results

Once the hair sample is collected, it is sent to a certified laboratory for analysis. After the hair follicles have been analyzed, the results are reviewed and verified by a medical review officer (a licensed physician). A negative hair follicle drug - test result is generally available in 2 - 3 days, while a non - negative result is available in approximately 5 days. Urine cut - off levels are expressed in nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml), and hair cut - off levels are expressed in picograms per milligram (pg/mg).

Benefits and Drawbacks of Hair Follicle Testing

Benefits

• Long Detection Period: It can detect drug use over a longer period (up to 90 days), providing a more comprehensive view of an individual's drug - using history compared to urine tests.
• Difficult to Cheat: Special shampoos and hair - coloring treatments do not prevent the test from detecting the presence of drugs.
• Relatively Non - Invasive: Cutting a small section of hair is less invasive than taking blood or asking for a urine sample, making employees more comfortable with the process.
• Fewer False Positives: Standard drug tests may sometimes show false positives if someone is around people who have smoked. Hair follicle testing has fewer such issues.

Drawbacks

• Expense: In some cases, hair follicle testing is slightly more expensive than urine testing, which can be a concern for budget - conscious companies.
• Delay in Detecting Recent Use: It can take up to 5 days for drug use to show up in a hair follicle test, so it may not be the best option to catch very recent drug use.
• Hair Cutting Issue: Some employees may be sensitive about having their hair cut for the test, even though only a small amount is required.

The Fresh Ranking List of Hair Follicle Testing Hospitals in New York City

New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell

This hospital is one of the top - ranked institutions in New York. Nationally ranked in 14 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties, it offers high - quality hair follicle testing services. Its reputation for excellence in medical care means that patients can trust the accuracy and reliability of the test results. The hospital's state - of - the - art facilities and experienced medical staff ensure a smooth testing process, from sample collection to result interpretation.

Mount Sinai Hospital

Mount Sinai Hospital is another leading hospital in New York City. Nationally ranked in 12 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties, it provides comprehensive hair follicle testing. The hospital's research - based approach to medicine may result in more advanced testing techniques and a better understanding of the factors that can affect hair follicle test results. The experienced medical team can also offer professional advice based on the test outcomes.

NYU Langone Hospitals

NYU Langone is well - known for its medical services, including hair follicle testing. Nationally ranked in 13 adult specialties and 3 pediatric specialties, it has advanced diagnostic equipment. In the context of hair follicle testing, this means more accurate and detailed analysis. The hospital's dermatologists, who are experts in hair - related conditions, can also use the test results to diagnose and treat any underlying medical issues related to hair health.

North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health

This hospital, nationally ranked in 9 adult specialties, offers reliable hair follicle testing services. It has a team of professionals who are well - trained in sample collection and laboratory analysis. Patients can expect efficient and accurate results, as the hospital is committed to providing high - quality healthcare services in a timely manner.

Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health

Lenox Hill Hospital, nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties, is also a great option for hair follicle testing. The hospital has a patient - centered approach, which means that the testing process is designed to be as comfortable and convenient as possible for the patients. The staff is friendly and helpful, ensuring that patients understand every step of the testing process.

Other Hospitals and Clinics for Hair Follicle Testing in New York City

Accredited Drug Testing Inc.

Accredited Drug Testing Inc. provides hair follicle drug testing in all cities in New York. Most of its testing centers are located within minutes of patients' homes or offices, making it a convenient option. To schedule a hair follicle drug test, patients can call (800) 221 - 4291. They offer a variety of drug - testing panels, including the 5 - panel, 10 - panel, and 12 - panel tests.

Health Street

Health Street offers a large selection of drug - testing and employment - screening services in New York. They provide hair drug screenings along with other types of drug tests. Patients can choose their test online, register in just minutes, and get a barcode instantly via text or email, which includes directions to one of their 16 conveniently located drug - testing centers. Results are fast, accurate, and reviewed by a medical review officer, and all reports are securely stored in an online portal.

Hair Follicle Testing for Different Purposes

Employment - Related Testing

Many employers in New York City are using hair follicle testing as part of their pre - employment screening process. Companies with zero - tolerance drug - use policies find this test beneficial because of its long detection period. It helps them ensure that they are hiring employees with a clean drug - using history, which can contribute to a safer and more productive work environment.

Legal and Probation - Related Testing

Courts may order hair follicle testing in cases such as child - custody disputes, probation requirements, or legal investigations. The test can provide valuable evidence about an individual's drug - using behavior over a significant period. For individuals on probation, regular hair follicle testing can help monitor their compliance with the terms of their probation.

Medical Diagnosis

Hair follicle testing can also be used in the medical field to diagnose certain conditions. For example, it can help identify poisoning caused by heavy metals. Additionally, NYU Langone Health uses hair - loss services, which may involve hair follicle analysis, to diagnose and treat hair - related disorders such as hair loss due to nutritional deficiencies, thyroid imbalances, infections of the scalp, or autoimmune diseases.

The Importance of Choosing a Reputable Testing Facility

When it comes to hair follicle testing, choosing a reputable testing facility is crucial. Reputable hospitals and clinics have certified laboratories, experienced medical staff, and strict quality - control measures. This ensures the accuracy and reliability of the test results. In cases where the results have legal or employment - related implications, an inaccurate test result can have serious consequences for the individual being tested. Moreover, reputable facilities follow ethical and legal standards, which protect the rights and privacy of the patients.

New York City's Initiative Against Substance Abuse

New York City has been actively combating the growth of substance abuse. In 2022, there were 3,026 overdose deaths reported in the city, with a 12 percent increase from 2021. Fentanyl was detected in 81% of drug - overdose deaths in 2022, being the most common substance involved in overdose deaths for the fifth consecutive year. To address this issue, the city has implemented several initiatives:

• Distribution of about 159,951 naloxone kits and over 32,000 fentanyl test strips to more than 5,500 people in the first nine months of 2022.
• Implementation of overdose - prevention center (OPC) services, with two OPCs being used over 52,000 times by 2,227 unique individuals since their opening. Staff have intervened in over 670 overdoses to prevent potential injury or death.
• Introduction of public - health vending machines to provide low - barrier access to harm - reduction supplies.
• Launch of Healing NYC, a comprehensive initiative aimed at preventing overdoses and saving lives through the distribution of naloxone and increased public awareness about opioid misuse.

Conclusion

Hair follicle testing in New York City offers a valuable tool for various purposes, including drug testing, forensic analysis, and medical diagnosis. The top - ranked hospitals, such as New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell, Mount Sinai Hospital, NYU Langone Hospitals, and others, provide high - quality testing services. While hair follicle testing has its advantages and drawbacks, its long detection period and relative accuracy make it a popular choice for many employers, courts, and individuals. In addition, New York City's efforts to combat substance abuse show the importance of reliable drug - testing methods like hair follicle testing.

If you are in need of hair follicle testing services in New York City, take the time to research and choose a reputable testing facility. Whether it's for employment, legal, or medical reasons, accurate and reliable test results can make a significant difference. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about hair follicle testing in New York City and encourage them to explore the available options further.