Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It provides a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can offer a detection window of up to approximately 90 days for alcohol and drug use. Hair sampling is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of around 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) from closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair may be utilized. "Head hair" exclusively refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other hair types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The core phases in processing a drug test result in a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of incorporating a sample into the lab system. This process ensures the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any manual data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs a preliminary quick assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is efficient for ruling out drug use in most cases, positive screens must undergo confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples that are presumptively positive at Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during Screening, additional hair is isolated from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. During this phase, drugs are extracted at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening results is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples that presumptively tested positive are cleansed as needed. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Advantages of Hair Follicle Testing Over Urine Tests in Branchburg Park, NJ:
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests, one can easily recognize its superiority in terms of detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests surpass urine tests by offering an extended detection window, more secure collection procedures, and are less susceptible to tampering. This provides a more dependable solution for identifying long-term substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Branchburg Park, NJ:
The most prominent advantage of hair follicle testing is its prolonged detection period. Capable of identifying drug consumption up to 90 days prior, this method grants employers a complete insight into an individual’s substance usage history, ensuring informed decisions. By spanning such a wide timeframe, hair testing proves invaluable in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Secure Testing Methods in Branchburg Park, NJ:
Hair follicle drug tests greatly minimize the risk of sample tampering, providing unassailable and trusted outcomes. Unlike other testing methods, hair collection is witnessed, offering a streamlined approach to securing authentic samples. This measure ensures credible and defensible results, fostering confidence in its integrity and security.
Convenient Testing Locations in Branchburg Park, NJ:
Accessing drug testing services becomes effortless with our widespread network, ensuring swift, practical, and stress-free testing experiences nationwide. With facilities in Branchburg Park, NJ, anyone needing testing can avail themselves of our comprehensive and accessible options, reinforcing our reputation for convenience and ease of service.
Simple and Confidential Process in Branchburg Park, NJ:
Our hair follicle testing process boasts simplicity and privacy, providing an uncomplicated and confidential means for ordering, conducting, and receiving results. Designed to address privacy concerns, it ensures client discretion, making the entire procedure straightforward and secure, without compromising personal information.
Cost-Effective Solutions and Quick Turnaround in Branchburg Park, NJ:
Our competitive pricing structures guarantee affordability, offering excellent value accompanied by rapid turnaround times. Catering to businesses of various sizes, we emphasize cost-efficiency alongside swift results, enhancing peace of mind and ensuring both reliability and economic viability for our clients.
Fast and Accurate Results in Branchburg Park, NJ:
Hair follicle drug testing offers prompt and precise outcomes, ensuring high accuracy in identifying substance use. The rapid processing enables quick decision-making for employers and individuals alike. These tests are designed to yield reliable data, offering peace of mind through consistent and dependable results, significantly enhancing the evaluation of drug history.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety in Branchburg Park, NJ:
Implementing hair follicle testing facilitates adherence to workplace drug-free strategies, minimizing liability while boosting safety measures. By systematically incorporating these tests, employers can uphold strict substance policies, thereby reducing legal exposures and establishing a safer professional environment for all stakeholders.
