Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has transitioned into an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and other drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When procured near the scalp, hair can furnish up to about a 3-month detection span for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of around 200 hair strands (roughly the dimension of a #2 pencil) proximal to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for examination and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments surpassing 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is inaccessible, a similar quantity of body hair may be gathered. In reference to head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair signifies all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary integration of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This encompasses confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises an initial rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug consumption in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples that are presumably positive in Screening need a secondary verification.
If a sample is presumably positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the primary specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Beats Urine Testing in Belle Mead, NJ
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests by enhancing detection precision and reliability. Its longer detection window allows for a more comprehensive overview of substance usage, making it the preferred choice for those prioritizing thoroughness and detail in drug screenings.
Extended Detection Window in Belle Mead, NJ
A major advantage of hair follicle testing is its capability to record drug use over a longer duration, up to 90 days. This provides employers with a broader understanding of an individual's substance use pattern, offering a detailed perspective on long-term usage and habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Belle Mead, NJ
The hair follicle test method minimizes the potential for test result manipulation. Its sample collection process is observed and thorough, ensuring that results reflect a genuine and untampered account of an individual's substance use history.
Convenient Testing Locations in Belle Mead, NJ
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide guarantees quick and easy access to services. This ensures that clients experience a seamless and stress-free process, whether locally based or spread across the country.
Simple and Confidential Process in Belle Mead, NJ
Our process for ordering and conducting tests is straightforward and confidential. Privacy is our priority, assuring clients that their information and results are handled securely and discreetly throughout.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Belle Mead, NJ
We offer competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. With our efficient process, companies of varying sizes can enjoy superior value while ensuring effective and timely drug testing solutions.
Fast and Accurate Results in Belle Mead, NJ
Hair follicle drug tests provide quick, precise outcomes. Known for their high sensitivity, these tests accurately identify substance use, offering definitive results. Their reliability makes them an excellent choice in drug screening, highlighting rapid identification of drug compounds and ensuring trust in test results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Belle Mead, NJ
Implementing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug regulations, enhancing safety and reducing legal liabilities. Employers benefit from peace of mind knowing that their drug-free policies are upheld with reliable testing methods.
