Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands contain a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair’s growing fibers. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can indicate alcohol and drug use over approximately a three-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for assessments and confirmations. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels beyond 10, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It’s advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be harvested, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, it solely refers to scalp hair. Meanwhile, body hair means all other categories of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four major stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning focuses on the initial intake of a sample into the lab’s system. This step confirms that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any necessary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for presence of drugs. Whereas Screening is a cost-efficient method to negate drug use in a large number of samples, a positive screen mandates further confirmation to be permissible in legal settings. Samples with preliminary positive results in Screening necessitate a confirmation step.
If the Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction step. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than through other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most intricate method to execute.
Any positive findings from screening undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with preliminary positives are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Crosswicks, NJ, hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests due to its heightened detection accuracy. Hair tests offer a broader assessment of substance use, capturing a more comprehensive timeline of drug activity. While urine tests may only detect recent use, hair testing provides a complete perspective. This makes it a preferred choice for those requiring thorough and reliable testing protocols.
Through hair follicle testing in Crosswicks, NJ, employers benefit from an extended detection window that spans up to 90 days. This method offers a comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance use history, allowing decision-makers to evaluate long-term patterns rather than just recent exposure. Employers gain a deeper understanding of an applicant or staff member’s drug use, supporting a safer workplace environment.
Hair follicle testing in Crosswicks, NJ, provides a tamper-resistant solution for substance screening. It is notably difficult to adulterate or disguise, unlike other testing methods. This secure approach ensures the authenticity of samples, resulting in trustworthy and unquestionable outcomes that stakeholders can confidently base decisions on.
In Crosswicks, NJ, our testing centers provide a convenient and widespread network across the nation, including local facilities. This ensures participants can access our services quickly and easily, sidestepping potential hurdles. We focus on hassle-free experiences, streamlining the testing process from appointment scheduling to result collection.
In Crosswicks, NJ, we maintain a simple and confidential procedure for ordering and conducting hair follicle tests. From the moment an order is placed to receiving the test results, we prioritize privacy and ease of use. This assures clients that their personal information remains protected while benefiting from an efficient and straightforward process.
We offer affordable pricing on hair follicle tests in Crosswicks, NJ, accompanied by fast turnaround times. Our competitive rates provide significant value, ensuring companies of varied sizes can sustain their commitment to a drug-free workplace without excessive cost. Quick result delivery also contributes to peace of mind and operational efficiency.
In Crosswicks, NJ, hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its precision and speed. The process delivers fast and accurate results, efficiently identifying substance use history. Its reliability is unmatched, minimizing false negatives and ensuring confidence in the findings. Swift processing means stakeholders gain timely insights, crucial for making informed decisions in various professional arenas.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Crosswicks, NJ, equips employers with strong compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Beyond compliance, this testing reduces legal risks and enhances overall safety within the organization. By endorsing sound screening practices, organizations assure employees and stakeholders of a dedication to a drug-free and secure work environment.
