Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the hair strands, hair provides an extended historical record of alcohol and drug use. When hair is cut near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol presence for a period of about three months. Collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands — roughly equal to a #2 pencil's diameter — near the scalp will amount to roughly 100mg, which is the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, or tests surpassing 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We advise using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not an option, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically means hair from the scalp, while "body hair" covers all other hair types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The essential steps in processing a drug test in a lab setting include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step where a sample is formally taken into a lab's system. This process includes verifying that the sample is properly sealed and transported, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and any additional data entry that is required beyond what is provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary and rapid assessment for narcotics. While it is an economical means to exclude drug usage in most samples, any positive screen must be confirmed to be legally accepted. Samples that are presumptive positives at this stage always require further confirmation.
Should the Screening step indicate a presumptive positive, more hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are drawn out from hair at a significantly lower level than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening highly complex.
Confirmation of a positive result from Screening is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. Any samples that return a presumptive positive undergo a washing process before confirmation if needed. The full lab examination process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligned with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed as "hair follicle tests," these examinations analyze the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Combining superior detection accuracy, hair follicle testing is favored in East Trenton Heights, NJ over urine tests. Unlike urine, hair provides a much longer detection window, effectively revealing patterns of substance use over time. The innovative edge of hair testing lies in its analytical precision, offering higher reliability and making it a robust choice for organizations.
Hair testing's immunity to common tampering methods positions it ahead of urine tests. It's an observed process, nearly eliminating the chance of sample adulteration. This reliability is crucial for entities enforcing drug policies, ensuring trustworthy results and adherence to safety standards.
With an extended detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in East Trenton Heights, NJ offers an in-depth view into an individual's substance use history. This comprehensive analysis is particularly beneficial for employers seeking to understand long-term behavior beyond recent drug activity.
The ability to detect drug use over such an extended period makes hair testing an invaluable tool. Employers benefit from the insights gained, allowing them to assess an employee's or applicant's lifestyle choices with a broader perspective, aiding significant hiring and disciplinary decisions.
East Trenton Heights, NJ acknowledges hair follicle testing's resistance to tampering, a feature that ensures reliable and authentic results. Unlike other testing methods, hair testing involves an observed collection process that virtually eliminates the risk of adulteration or substitution.
This robust testing method provides businesses with peace of mind, knowing that the results are as accurate and genuine as possible. It's nearly impossible to cheat, thus instilling confidence in both employers and employees about the integrity of the testing process.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient access to testing services in East Trenton Heights, NJ, and nationwide. With numerous centers available, individuals and businesses can easily schedule and complete testing without hassle, ensuring quick and efficient services.
Our local and nationwide locations simplify testing processes, enhancing customer experience and satisfaction. Whether you require hair follicle testing in East Trenton Heights or elsewhere, expect seamless service access across all our centers.
In East Trenton Heights, NJ, hair follicle testing offers a straightforward and private process. From scheduling to results, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that every step is confidential, addressing any privacy concerns clients may have for peace of mind.
This simple process guarantees ease of use, as individuals can confidently navigate through testing protocols. Ensuring discretion and ease, we provide a client-focused service, emphasizing confidentiality and simplicity throughout the process.
In East Trenton Heights, NJ, Accredited Drug Testing stands out with competitive pricing options and rapid turnaround times. These affordabilities combined with quick results offer excellent value for organizations, regardless of size, allowing them to maintain budgetary constraints without compromising quality.
Fast and efficient, the combination of affordability and swift service ensures organizations can manage their testing strategies economically while reaping the benefits of thorough and reliable testing practices.
In East Trenton Heights, NJ, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests stand out. These tests provide highly accurate results, efficiently detecting substance use. Their capacity to swiftly deliver information ensures employers can make informed decisions with confidence. Hair testing's accuracy is crucial in maintaining safe and compliant workplaces.
Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled reliability. The meticulous process ensures that results are consistent and dependable. This accuracy is vital in environments where the safety of employees and the integrity of company guidelines are paramount. By using hair testing, businesses can trust the information provided.
In East Trenton Heights, NJ, hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies. By employing this method, employers mitigate legal risks and bolster safety, protecting the firm from potential liabilities associated with workplace substance abuse incidents.
This comprehensive testing approach enhances peace of mind for employers, ensuring that the workforce remains compliant with statutory and company-specific safety regulations. Businesses gain a competitive edge by safeguarding their environment and promoting a drug-free culture.
