Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair samples can reflect up to around a 3-month period of alcohol and drug use. Collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch piece comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for initial screening and follow-up confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is prudent to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is inaccessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four significant stages in the lab analysis of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a specimen in a lab’s infrastructure. This step confirms that the sample was sealed and transported as required, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any supplemental data input not furnished by an electronic custody chain.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drug presence. Screening presents a cost-effective method to eliminate drug use in the majority of samples; however, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any sample that tests positive in Screening needs a follow-up confirmation.
When a specimen shows a presumptive positive in the Screening segment, additional hair is taken from the primary sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than seen in other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug analysis is among the most challenging techniques to execute.
Confirmation of any preliminary positive screening is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that tested presumptive positive undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory sequence, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Fairton, NJ, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. It significantly exceeds urine tests in detection accuracy and dependability, with a longer detection period. Employers who seek precise results favor hair testing, as it provides a reliable assessment of an individual's drug use history, minimizing the chances of deception.
Hair follicle testing in Fairton, NJ presents an extended detection window that can trace drug use back up to 90 days. This longer timeline gives employers a detailed overview of an individual’s substance use, providing a comprehensive picture that urine tests, which have shorter detection abilities, cannot match.
Fairton, NJ hair follicle tests greatly diminish the risk of sample adulteration. The superior collection and testing process ensures the authenticity and integrity of samples, reducing opportunities for tampering, and fostering confidence in the results provided.
Our testing services in Fairton, NJ benefit from nationwide centers, making access effortless and straightforward. Whether local or nationwide, these centers ensure quick and convenient testing, removing logistical hassles and ensuring a seamless testing experience for all users.
In Fairton, NJ, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, privacy and ease are prioritized, addressing any privacy concerns. This streamlined approach makes the testing process accessible and straightforward for all users.
Fairton, NJ offers competitive pricing and rapid result turnaround for hair follicle testing. This commitment to affordability and speed provides exceptional value, appealing to businesses of various sizes, ensuring they receive timely and cost-effective solutions for their testing needs.
Hair follicle drug tests in Fairton, NJ stand out for their precision, speed, and reliability. They deliver rapid analysis while ensuring accurate detection of substances, providing dependable results for users and employers alike. This quick and precise testing method allows employers to make informed decisions with confidence.
Employers in Fairton, NJ can rely on hair follicle testing to maintain a drug-free workplace. This method aligns with compliance requirements and reduces legal risks, promoting a safe and secure working environment. Employers achieve peace of mind, knowing they are adhering to workplace policies effectively.