Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a compelling method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair archives a prolonged history of drugs and alcohol by securing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to gather, somewhat challenging to alter, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of around 200 hairs (resembling a #2 pencil’s thickness) close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, progressive tests, and/or analysis exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We advocate for weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is missing, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the first processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes verifying the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid check for substances of abuse. Though Screening is an economical way to identify drug absence on most samples, confirmation is necessary for positive screenings to be court-admissible. Samples indicating presumptive positives in Screening demand a second confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity at the Screening phase, extra hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower levels compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed when necessary before confirmation. The full lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the assessment is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle below the scalp
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Colesville, NJ, the former offers superior detection and reliability. Hair follicle tests provide a broad window of detection, surpassing the capabilities of urine tests. The enhanced accuracy and reliability make hair testing the preferred choice for many employers aiming to uphold a drug-free workplace.
Hair follicle testing's extended detection window, up to 90 days, in Colesville, NJ, allows employers to thoroughly assess an individual's substance history. This testing method offers a more comprehensive view of an applicant or employee's drug usage patterns, aiding in the decision-making process for maintaining a safe work environment.
In Colesville, NJ, hair follicle tests are recognized for their tamper-resistant qualities. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests significantly minimize the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring that the results are reliable and incontrovertible.
With convenient testing centers nationwide as well as local options in Colesville, NJ, accessing hair follicle drug testing services is streamlined. Our wide-reaching locations ensure that acquiring necessary tests is a swift and hassle-free experience for all involved.
The process for undergoing hair follicle drug testing in Colesville, NJ is simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and user-friendliness, addressing any concerns about discretion and ease of use.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times make hair follicle drug testing in Colesville, NJ an attractive option. Providing excellent value, our services cater to companies of all sizes, offering both affordability and quick results that deliver peace of mind.
Hair follicle drug testing in Colesville, NJ offers quick, accurate, and reliable results. Its precision in detecting substance use ensures that results are dependable. The efficiency of hair tests means that you can obtain results without delay, providing you with the certainty you need to make informed decisions.
Using hair follicle testing in Colesville, NJ brings compliance and peace of mind to employers. Ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies reduces legal risks and enhances overall workplace safety. Employers can rely on this testing method to maintain the integrity of their workforce.
