Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains biomarkers within its fibers during growth, offering a prolonged timeline of drug and alcohol use. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use over an approximately 3-month duration. Collection is straightforward, alteration is challenging, and shipping is fuss-free.
A 1.5-inch length consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil in thickness) from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation processes. For tests like EtG add-ons or when testing beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale is suggested to weigh the sample. Should scalp hair not be available, body hair of equal quantity is acceptable. References to head hair pertain to scalp hair exclusively, while body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Summary
There are four primary stages in processing a drug test result in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails introducing a sample to a lab's system, ensuring it was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any extra data absent from an electronic chain of custody setup.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While this is a cost-efficient manner to discount drug usage in most samples, any positive findings in Screening require confirmation for court validity. Presumptively positive samples in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should The Screening phase yield a presumptively positive result, additional hair is utilized from the initial sample for preparation in the Extraction stage. Here, substances are drawn from hair at concentrations lower than those found in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of positive screenings is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Hair drug testing benefits:
Drawbacks:
Note: While commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the assay actually evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Golf View, NJ
Hair follicle testing stands as a superior method due to its extended detection capabilities compared to urine tests. It allows for the identification of drug use over a longer timeframe. Furthermore, its accuracy and reliability make hair testing a valuable tool for those seeking comprehensive substance screenings.
Extended Detection Window in Golf View, NJ
Hair follicle tests offer a significant advantage with their extended detection period, extending up to 90 days. This enables employers to evaluate a more comprehensive history of an individual's drug use, offering a better insight into their substance habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Golf View, NJ
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the chance of sample tampering. With the process being practically fraud-proof, these tests ensure that the results remain reliable and uncontested, providing confidence in the testing outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Golf View, NJ
Our extensive network of testing centers guarantees quick and easy access to hair follicle testing services nationwide. In Golf View, NJ, residents benefit from hassle-free access to reliable testing facilities that ensure convenience for all users.
Simple, Confidential Process in Golf View, NJ
The process for hair follicle testing is designed to be straightforward and confidential, addressing concerns about privacy. This ensures ease of use while maintaining the confidentiality of the testing process, from ordering to receiving results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Golf View, NJ
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times provide companies with excellent value. Regardless of company size, every business stands to benefit from our affordable and efficient testing services, ensuring peace of mind and swift results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Golf View, NJ
The precision of hair follicle tests is unrivaled. Results are processed swiftly without compromising accuracy, ensuring substance use is detected effectively. This method offers high accuracy in identifying drug use and provides peace of mind for all users needing dependable results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Golf View, NJ
Hair follicle tests help employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By using this accurate and efficient method, employers can mitigate legal risks and significantly increase the safety and security of their work environments.