Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. The fibers of a growing hair strand capture biomarkers, offering a long-term record of substance intake. When hair is collected from near the scalp, it reveals a detection timeline of up to 3 months for drugs and alcohol. Hair is easy to gather, tough to tamper with, and simple to dispatch.
An ideal batch for testing and validation comprises a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands from closest to the scalp, summing up to 100mg of hair. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or panels exceeding 10, a quantity of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be acquired, a comparable amount of body hair can be used instead. "Head hair" pertains specifically to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (including facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug testing includes four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves entering the sample into a lab’s system initially. It checks if the sample was appropriately sealed and delivered, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
In Screening, a preliminary examination is carried out for signs of drug abuse. Screening is economical for dismissing drug use in most samples, but a positive screen must be verified to be valid for legal proceedings. Any likely positive samples need a further confirmation step.
If the Screening step yields a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the sample for further testing in Extraction. In this stage, extracting drugs from hair occurs at significantly lower concentrations compared to other means (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is notoriously challenging.
For any positive screening results, Confirmation is performed using methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples showing presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as required. The full lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards for accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used, but it analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle itself under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Glassboro, NJ
Hair follicle testing offers an unmatched level of detection precision and trustworthiness compared to traditional urine tests. Its ability to trace substance use over a longer period provides a more thorough substance history. Furthermore, hair tests stand out for their reliability, with a much lower risk of falsification. In Glassboro, NJ, these benefits mark hair testing as the superior choice for comprehensive and accurate drug screenings.
Extended Detection Window in Glassboro, NJ
With the ability to detect drug use up to 90 days prior, hair follicle testing in Glassboro, NJ, provides employers a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance history. This longer detection period surpasses that of other testing methods, such as urine tests, offering a more extensive look into past drug use. This comprehensive view assists employers in making informed decisions regarding their workforce.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Glassboro, NJ
In Glassboro, NJ, the integrity of hair follicle tests sets them apart due to their robustness against tampering. These tests are less susceptible to adulteration, minimizing the risk of altered results. This security measure ensures that employers receive reliable and legitimate results, preserving the credibility and dependability of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Glassboro, NJ
Our widespread testing centers, including those in Glassboro, NJ, offer convenience and ease of access. Availability across the nation ensures quick and hassle-free drug testing services. This network of testing locations facilitates fast and efficient testing experiences for all clients, reducing wait times and logistical challenges.
Simple, Confidential Process in Glassboro, NJ
In Glassboro, NJ, the hair follicle testing process is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. This streamlined procedure includes easy ordering, straightforward testing, and private result handling. Concerns about privacy and ease of use are addressed, ensuring participants feel secure and assured throughout the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Glassboro, NJ
Competitive pricing combined with swift turnaround times makes hair follicle testing in Glassboro, NJ, an excellent value for companies. Our cost-effective structures and rapid results service provide peace of mind to employers of all sizes, ensuring a stress-free testing process that aligns with budgetary considerations without compromising quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Glassboro, NJ
In Glassboro, NJ, the timeliness and accuracy of hair follicle drug testing cannot be overstated. This method offers rapid and reliable results, ensuring that substance use is accurately detected. The precision of hair tests is particularly beneficial for organizations seeking dependable drug testing processes, making it a trusted option for fast and definitive outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Glassboro, NJ
Adopting hair follicle testing in Glassboro, NJ, helps ensure compliance with workplace drug policies, enhancing legal safeguarding and workplace safety. The reliability of hair testing aids employers in upholding drug-free environments. This assurance of compliance and safety fosters a secure workplace, ultimately delivering peace of mind for employers.
