Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Cliffside Park, NJ

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow, hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug use. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal drug consumption patterns for up to a three-month period. Collecting hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.

A sample consisting of 1.5 inches from approximately 200 hairs (around the girth of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp offers 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or testing above 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It's recommended to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair only. "Body hair" includes all other hair types (like facial or axillary hair).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step where the sample is integrated into the lab's system. This entails confirming the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary check for substances of abuse. Screening offers a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use for most samples, but for a screen to be considered legally acceptable, positive results must be confirmed. Samples with a presumptive positive result during Screening need further verification.

If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the sample for further preparation in the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from the hair at far lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug screening.

Positive screening results are confirmed using methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use for a duration of up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter timeframe.
• Hard to tamper: Hair drug tests are very hard to adulterate, ensuring more reliable results.
• Provides a usage timeline: It offers data on drug use patterns over time, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Can't detect recent consumption: Drugs become detectable in hair roughly 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than other methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in the hair.

Note: While often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is done on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair Testing vs. Urine Testing
In Cliffside Park, NJ, hair follicle tests are superior to traditional urine tests. They are unmatched in their detection accuracy and reliability, providing a thorough evaluation of an individual’s substance use. Unlike urine tests, they offer a much broader detection window, ensuring more informed decisions.

Extended Detection Window

Long-Term Detection Ability
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Cliffside Park, NJ, offers insights into drug use over up to 90 days. This longer timeframe gives employers a thorough perspective of a person's substance use history, proving invaluable for making informed choices.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Resistant to Tampering
In Cliffside Park, NJ, hair follicle testing is a robust method that significantly curtails tampering risks. Ensuring reliable and unquestioned outcomes, it stands as a definitive solution in maintaining integrity throughout the substance testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accessible Testing Locations
Our expansive network of testing centers nationwide, including in Cliffside Park, NJ, enables straightforward and hassle-free access to testing services. This convenience ensures testing is never a burden to individuals or employers.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simplicity and Confidentiality
Cliffside Park, NJ, offers a simple and private hair follicle testing process. From ordering to receiving results, each step values privacy, assuring users of discreet and convenient service.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable and Efficient
Offering competitive rates, Cliffside Park, NJ ensures quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing. This cost-effectiveness delivers excellent value for organizations, no matter their size, always maintaining prompt service.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Rapid and Reliable Results
In Cliffside Park, NJ, hair follicle drug testing is synonymous with efficiency and accuracy. This method ensures precise detection of various substances, providing dependable results swiftly. Its meticulous approach makes it an ideal solution for meeting the demands of fast-paced decision-making environments.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Ensuring Compliance and Assurance
Employers in Cliffside Park, NJ, benefit from hair follicle testing by adhering to workplace drug-free regulations. It reduces legal vulnerabilities and fosters a safer workplace, offering peace of mind.

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