Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Bernardsville, NJ

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as a formidable means for identifying usage of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within the strands of developing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair is capable of offering a detection timeframe of up to three months for alcohol and various drugs. Collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for sending.

A specimen of 1.5 inches comprising approximately 200 hair strands (around the width of a #2 pencil) right at the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and those exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to use 150mg of the sample. We advise measuring the amount on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be accessible, an equivalent volume of body hair can be utilized. When speaking of head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (such as facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

The lab processing of drug test results involves four crucial steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the preliminary incorporation of a sample into a lab’s processing system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any supplementary data entry that an electronic chain of custody system might not cover.

Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective strategy for excluding drug usage in most samples, a screen returning positive must obtain confirmation to be legally valid. All samples appearing presumptively positive after Screening require further confirmation.

For samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is selected from the initial sample and processed for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations significantly less than those in other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening is notoriously challenging.

Confirmation of any Screening positive result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab protocol from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) designation specific to Hair and also complies with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can recognize drug use spanning up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which possess a shorter detection timeframe.
• Resistance to manipulation: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely difficult, thus enhancing the accuracy of results.
• Historic usage pattern: It presents a timeline of drug consumption, in contrast to simply indicating recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: Approximately 5-7 days are needed for drugs to become identifiable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier compared to alternative drug screening methods.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth patterns can influence drug metabolite concentrations within hair.

Note: Despite being commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the assessment is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Bernardsville, NJ significantly outperforms traditional urine tests. By offering longer detection windows and unparalleled reliability, hair tests ensure superior accuracy in identifying substance use. This makes them a preferred choice among employers looking for robust methods to uphold workplace safety and compliance.

Extended Detection Window

With an extended detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Bernardsville, NJ provides employers a comprehensive insight into an individual’s substance use history. This broader window enables employers to make informed decisions about applicant suitability and monitor employee compliance with substance use policies over a longer term.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The robust nature of hair follicle tests in Bernardsville, NJ makes them highly resistant to tampering. By significantly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration, these tests offer results that are both reliable and unquestionable, thus ensuring integrity in substance testing processes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Offering both local and nationwide testing centers, Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenient access to hair follicle testing in Bernardsville, NJ. Our extensive network guarantees quick and flexible testing solutions, minimizing logistical hurdles and simplifying the overall testing experience for all clients.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Bernardsville, NJ is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the journey is streamlined, addressing privacy concerns, and ensuring ease of use. This guarantees a seamless experience for those undergoing substance testing.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Bernardsville, NJ, we offer competitive pricing structures alongside fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests. Our commitment to affordability and efficiency ensures excellent value, making our services accessible to companies of all sizes while maintaining total client satisfaction.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Bernardsville, NJ, hair follicle drug tests are known for their quick and accurate results. Precision and speed make these tests ideal for detecting substance use with high reliability. The prompt turnaround times ensure that test outcomes are both swift and dependable, providing clear insights into an individual's substance history.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Bernardsville, NJ can rest assured that hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies. Using these tests enhances compliance and reduces legal risks, while fostering a safe work environment that promotes peace of mind among employers and their staff alike.

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