Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as a highly effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a historical record of drug use by embedding biomarkers in the hair as it grows. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can offer an approximate 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easily shipped.
A sample of 1.5 inches from roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a No. 2 pencil) close to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG tests, add-ons, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair might be gathered. When discussing head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The procedure in a lab for processing drug test outcomes consists of the following key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the primary processing of a sample into the lab’s database. It entails confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any further data entry beyond what is available from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drugs. Although economically efficient for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive screen needs validation for legal acceptability. Any samples preliminarily indicated positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If the sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for preparation in the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening notably challenging.
Confirmation of any presumptive positive screening result is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The whole lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Erma, NJ
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests, one can observe superior detection accuracy and reliability in Erma, NJ. Hair testing not only identifies drug use over an extended timeframe but also outperforms urine tests in terms of providing trustworthy and unchallengeable outcomes, making it a preferred choice for many organizations and legal systems.
Extended Detection Window in Erma, NJ
Hair follicle testing offers an extensive examination timeframe of up to 90 days, providing employers in Erma, NJ with a thorough insight into an individual’s substance usage. This extended window allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of a prospective employee's or current worker's past substance habits, proving surpassing alternative testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Erma, NJ
Incorporating a tamper-resistant testing method, hair follicle drug tests remarkably mitigate the risk of sample manipulation, delivering results that are trustworthy and indubitable. The secure nature of hair testing ensures the integrity and veracity of the findings, key for organizations in Erma, NJ seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Erma, NJ
With a network of accessible nationwide testing centers, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that individuals in Erma, NJ benefit from prompt, uncomplicated, and smooth access to drug testing services. This extensive reach simplifies the testing process, granting ease and convenience to those in need of reliable testing.
Simple, Confidential Process in Erma, NJ
The drug testing procedure is straightforward and private in Erma, NJ, addressing any concerns regarding confidentiality and convenience. This streamlined process ensures that ordering, participating in, and receiving results remain hassle-free and discreet, supporting individuals in maintaining their privacy.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Erma, NJ
Competitive pricing and prompt turnaround characterize hair follicle drug testing services in Erma, NJ. These attributes offer excellent value and confidence to businesses of various sizes, allowing them cost-efficiently and effectively to uphold workplace substance standards.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Erma, NJ
In Erma, NJ, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed, assuring accurate detection of substance use. These tests are renowned for their high level of accuracy, enabling results that are not just rapid, but convincingly reliable, bringing peace of mind to employers and individuals alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Erma, NJ
Hair follicle testing guarantees adherence to workplace drug-free policies, thereby diminishing legal liabilities and elevating workplace safety for employers in Erma, NJ. By employing this testing mode, employers not only ensure policy compliance but also achieve greater peace of mind, aware that their workforce is maintaining drug-free standards.