Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can offer an extended timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair shaft as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair analysis can yield a detection period for alcohol and drugs of roughly 90 days. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to ship.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 hair strands (approximating the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair—the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing is suggested. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent volume of body hair can be gathered. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory's drug testing involves four primary processes: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's system. This step includes confirming the sample is properly sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation to detect possible drug misuse. Although Screening is an affordable method to evaluate the majority of samples for drug use, any positive result requires confirmation for legal validity. Samples yielding inconclusive results in Screening must undergo further verification.
Should a sample yield a possible positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Examination. Here, drugs are extracted from the hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening a more complex method to implement.
Any positive Screening findings are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumed positive samples are pre-washed prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is supervised under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Blackwells Mills, NJ, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing due to its superior detection and accuracy. While urine tests are more common, they typically only detect recent drug use. Hair testing provides a broader detection window, identifying drug use patterns over a longer period. This makes hair testing a more robust option for employers seeking comprehensive evaluations of substance use.
Employers in Blackwells Mills, NJ, favor hair follicle tests for their extended detection window. Unlike other methods, hair testing can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, offering a thorough overview of an individual's substance history. This longer timeframe allows for more informed decisions regarding employment and compliance with workplace policies.
Hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant method, significantly reducing the potential for sample adulteration in Blackwells Mills, NJ. This process ensures that employers receive results they can trust, reducing the risks of tampering and providing an accurate portrayal of an individual's substance usage, essential for maintaining workplace safety.
Our testing locations in Blackwells Mills, NJ, and across the nation provide easy and convenient access to hair follicle testing services. These centers ensure a hassle-free experience, making drug testing efficient and accessible for everyone. Employers and individuals alike benefit from our widespread network of testing facilities.
In Blackwells Mills, NJ, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. Ordering, conducting tests, and receiving results are streamlined to address privacy concerns and ease of use. Clients can have confidence in our secure procedures, ensuring that personal information remains protected while benefiting from reliable service.
Our hair follicle testing services in Blackwells Mills, NJ, are competitively priced to offer exceptional value. With quick turnaround times, businesses of every size can benefit from our services without compromising on cost efficiency. Our focus on affordability and speed ensures that companies receive top-notch service at manageable prices.
Hair follicle drug testing in Blackwells Mills, NJ, is known for delivering rapid and precise results. These tests boast high accuracy in spotting substance use over extended periods. The efficiency and trustworthiness of hair analysis offer an edge over other methods, ensuring that employers and courts receive fast and reliable insights into substance use patterns.
Utilizing hair follicle tests in Blackwells Mills, NJ, helps employers ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal risks and fosters a safe working environment. With the ability to detect drug use over an extended period, employers can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that their policy enforcement is robust and reliable.
