Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures long-term indicators of substances by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When cut near the scalp, hair can unveil up to nearly a quarter-year period status for alcohol and drug usage. Hair is straightforward to obtain, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for sending.
A 1.5-inch portion encompassing roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp should supply 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both the screening and confirmation stages. For EtG, supplementary assessments, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. The term 'head hair' specifically refers to scalp hair only. 'Body hair' encompasses other hair varieties (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the first stage of organizing a sample into a laboratory database. This process verifies that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any additional information not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary evaluation to identify drugs of abuse. Although Screening serves as an economical method for dismissing drug use in most samples, any positive results from this stage require confirmation before being legally admissible. All samples yielding a presumptive positive during Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive at the Screening level, additional hair is extracted from the starting specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at considerably lower concentrations than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity inherent in hair drug analysis.
Further investigation of any positive screening outcome is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process prior to confirmation when needed. Every aspect of the laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests," these evaluations actually assess the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Allentown, NJ Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to urine tests. The extended monitoring window of up to 90 days provides a more comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance use.
This method is favored in situations requiring stringent drug usage policies.
Extended Detection Window in Allentown, NJ Hair follicle testing monitors drug use for up to 90 days, offering a prolonged detection period. Employers benefit from gaining insights into an employee’s substance history, aiding in more informed hiring or disciplinary decisions.
The longer detection timeframe makes it a valuable tool for workplace safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Allentown, NJ Hair follicle tests minimize the risk of sample adulteration compared to urine tests.
The robustness of these tests ensures consistent, reliable results, crucial for legally-binding or disciplinary processes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Allentown, NJ With our testing centers spread nationwide, including Allentown, NJ, we guarantee quick and seamless access to our services.
Our clients benefit from hassle-free and easy testing procedures, enhancing customer satisfaction and retention.
Simple, Confidential Process in Allentown, NJ The process for ordering, collecting, and receiving hair follicle test results is simple.
Maintaining confidentiality remains a core focus, addressing privacy concerns while ensuring user-friendliness throughout the testing procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Allentown, NJ Our competitive pricing and prompt test results ensure excellent value for companies.
Our efficient processes cater to businesses of all sizes, providing peace of mind alongside superior testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Allentown, NJ The hair follicle drug test ensures precision and rapid results. High accuracy levels make it an ideal solution for detecting substance use.
Designed to identify various substances efficiently, these tests help employers make informed decisions swiftly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Allentown, NJ Deploying hair follicle testing helps employers maintain drug-free workplaces, mitigating legal risks and promoting safety.
Ensuring compliance with workplace policies, it becomes an effective tool for maintaining a safe and productive environment.
