Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as an effective means for detecting alcohol and drug use. Hair permanently captures biomarkers in the strands as they grow, providing a prolonged history of substance use. A sample taken near the scalp can yield up to a three-month window for detecting drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is easy, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
To obtain the ideal sample for testing: a 1.5-inch portion of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness) from near the scalp should provide 100mg. For tests like EtG add-ons or those exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is recommended. It is advisable to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair may be taken. “Head hair†specifically means scalp hair, while “body hair†encompasses all other types of hair (including facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the entry of a sample into the lab's system, including verifying proper sealing and shipment, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substances. It provides a cost-effective method to dismiss drug use for most samples. However, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be considered valid in court. Presumptively positive samples must be confirmed through a secondary test.
In the event of a presumptively positive sample at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower levels than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening one of the toughest methodologies.
Confirmation for any positive screen result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed when necessary. Each process step from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests," the test examines hair strands, not the underlying follicle.
In Cranford, NJ, hair follicle testing outshines urine tests with its superior detection accuracy over extended periods.
Unlike traditional urine testing, hair follicle tests provide unrivaled reliability and detail, making them the favored choice for thorough drug assessment.
In Cranford, NJ, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing captures a 90-day history of substance use.
This comprehensive view offers insight into an individual's long-term habits, valuable for employers ensuring a drug-free environment.
Hair follicle tests in Cranford, NJ are tamper-resistant, significantly minimizing the chance of sample adulteration.
This ensures results are reliable and indisputable, safeguarding the integrity of the testing process.
With nationwide testing centers, including local options in Cranford, NJ, accessing drug testing services is quick and convenient.
Employers and individuals benefit from the ease of hassle-free service access.
In Cranford, NJ, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, assuring privacy and ease.
From ordering to receiving results, clients experience a streamlined process that respects confidentiality.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Cranford, NJ, our hair follicle testing provides excellent value for businesses of any size.
Companies benefit from peace of mind knowing they comply with drug testing requirements efficiently.
Hair follicle tests deliver fast, accurate, and reliable results in Cranford, NJ. The precision of this method ensures a high level of confidence when it comes to detecting substance use.
Employers capitalize on the high accuracy of hair testing to enforce substance-free policies, minimizing workplace incidents.
Employers in Cranford, NJ gain peace of mind by ensuring compliance and safety with hair follicle testing.
This method not only reduces legal risks but also reinforces workplace safety standards.
