Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-duration record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to about three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil thickness) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or examinations beyond ten panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The central phases in the lab processing of a drug test result entail Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the primary processing of a sample into a laboratory's database. This involves confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug usage for the majority of samples, a positive screen must be verified for legal admissibility. Any samples indicated as positive in Screening need a secondary validation.
If a sample is noticed as positive at the Screening phase, more hair is gathered from the main sample and readied for Extraction. In this process, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly reduced concentration than found in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most complicated methodology to conduct.
Verification of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples identified as positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the test analyzes the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Gladstone, NJ
When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine drug tests, the former excels in detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests can detect a broader range of substances over an extended period, offering an insight unseen in urine testing. Thus, for those prioritizing comprehensive readings and reduced risk of misdetection, hair testing stands superior.
Extended Detection Window in Gladstone, NJ
Employers benefit immensely from the extended detection window of hair follicle tests, which can detect drug use for up to 90 days. This gives a comprehensive picture of an individual’s substance habits, making it easier to gauge their fitness for a particular role. Such a long-term view is crucial for roles requiring consistency and reliability.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Gladstone, NJ
One of the strongest attributes of hair follicle testing lies in its resistance to tampering. Unlike other methods, it significantly lowers the chances of sample adulteration. This reliability ensures that stakeholders receive accurate and incontestable results, reinforcing trust in the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Gladstone, NJ
Our expansive network of testing centers across the nation, including those in Gladstone, NJ, ensures easy access for everyone. This widespread availability facilitates a seamless testing process, eliminating the stress of finding a nearby testing site. Clients can expect a swift, uncomplicated experience anywhere they are.
Simple, Confidential Process in Gladstone, NJ
The process of hair follicle testing is streamlined and private, catering to those concerned about ease of use and confidentiality. From ordering the test to receiving results, the entire procedure is designed to safeguard personal data while delivering efficient service.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Gladstone, NJ
We pride ourselves on competitive pricing structures paired with rapid turnaround times, offering incredible value to organizations regardless of size. This approach ensures that clients not only save on costs but also gain peace of mind with prompt results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Gladstone, NJ
Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and speed in detecting drug usage. Their high accuracy assures stakeholders of their dependability. With results that swiftly reflect an individual’s substance use history, organizations can act confidently on the findings. This rapid and robust method is a trusted ally for those needing substantial evidence of substance consumption.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Gladstone, NJ
Employers in Gladstone can leverage hair follicle tests for ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By reducing legal liabilities and promoting safety, this method offers peace of mind, guaranteeing that workers adhere to company standards while enhancing overall workplace security.
