Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It provides a retrospective account of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to 3 months for substances like alcohol. The collection process is straightforward, with low risk of tampering, and the hair samples are easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (resembling a #2 pencil in size) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is considered optimal for screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a similar quantity of body hair may be used instead. The term "head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of logging a sample into the lab's database, verifying that it was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing additional data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse, serving as a cost-efficient method to eliminate most negative samples. However, to be legally admissible, a positive screen necessitates confirmation; any presumptive positives in Screening undergo further validation.
In instances where a sample is presumptively positive following Screening, additional hair is extracted from the existing sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are isolated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than alternative methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening a particularly challenging process.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is executed using methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, presumptive positives are washed as needed. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to review under the oversight of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," these tests actually analyze the hair strand, not the follicle itself situated under the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests in Francis Mills, NJ. Unlike urine tests, which cover a shorter timeframe, hair testing identifies drug usage up to 90 days. This extended window provides a comprehensive analysis of an individual's substance history, making it more reliable for employers assessing long-term behavior.
Urine tests have limitations, often tied to a more limited detection period. Hair testing bypasses these by offering a wider detection range, capturing a more accurate view of historical substance use. Employers seeking a more thorough approach to drug testing find hair follicle analysis invaluable due to its superior detection abilities compared to conventional methods.
With the ability to detect drug use over a 90-day period, hair follicle testing provides a thorough viewpoint into an individual's substance use history in Francis Mills, NJ. This extended detection window surpasses the limitations of traditional urine tests, offering insights into long-term substance patterns.
For employers, the extended detection timeframe of hair follicle testing acts as a vital tool in assessing job candidates or current employees. It provides a broader picture, enabling more informed decisions regarding employee drug policies, thus enhancing workplace safety and compliance.
In Francis Mills, NJ, hair follicle testing stands out as a notably tamper-resistant method. It significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, providing results that employers can rely on as unquestionable.
The inherent design of hair testing minimizes interference or substitution attempts, offering peace of mind. Employers trust hair follicle tests for their effectiveness in maintaining the integrity and reliability of the results, crucial for workplace compliance and safety.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient access to testing services with nationwide and local centers, including Francis Mills, NJ. This wide reach simplifies the testing process, ensuring quick and hassle-free access to comprehensive hair follicle drug testing.
Our broad network of testing facilities means that individuals and employers can easily find a local center, enabling efficient and timely testing. This accessibility is crucial for companies that need swift testing logistics, ensuring minimal disruption to everyday operations.
The process of undergoing hair follicle testing in Francis Mills, NJ, is both straightforward and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step is designed to maintain privacy, addressing any concerns about the confidentiality of the drug testing process.
Individuals can expect a seamless experience, with procedures in place to ensure the utmost peace of mind. This simplicity is crucial in fostering trust and easing the testing process for those undergoing the hair follicle drug test.
Accredited Drug Testing features competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Francis Mills, NJ, making hair follicle testing an attractive choice for businesses of all sizes. Our affordable pricing structures offer excellent value, especially when paired with the high-quality, reliable results of hair testing.
Quick processing ensures timely delivery of test outcomes, benefiting employers who need prompt results to make informed decisions. The combination of affordability and efficiency underscores our commitment to providing outstanding service and maximum value.
Fast, accurate, and reliable—hair follicle drug testing in Francis Mills, NJ, offers unparalleled precision. It excels in detecting substance use, consistently yielding dependable results. The methodology's accuracy ensures that employers receive trustworthy insights regarding drug usage, fostering confidence in the test outcomes.
Beyond accuracy, the speed of results is a standout feature of hair follicle testing. The streamlined process allows for swift processing, minimizing waiting times. This efficiency is crucial for employers needing prompt confirmations of substance use, contributing to timely hiring decisions and maintaining a safe work environment.
Employers in Francis Mills, NJ, benefit from hair follicle testing for ensuring compliance with workplace drug policies, offering peace of mind and reducing legal vulnerabilities. This approach enhances workplace safety by identifying potential drug use amongst employees or candidates.
Implementing hair follicle testing supports a drug-free work environment, crucial for businesses with zero-tolerance policies. It reassures employers that they're taking the right steps to address and prevent substance-related issues, fostering a safe and compliant workplace.
