Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing emerges as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the growing hair fiber strands. Hair collected near the scalp can present a detection span for alcohol and drugs of up to nearly 3 months. The collection process for hair is easy, difficult to tamper with, and simple for shipping.
A 1.5-inch sample, approximately the size of a #2 pencil, consisting of about 200 strands nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and verification. For assessments like EtG, add-ons, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, it’s advisable to use 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" denotes scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other hair types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in processing drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial stage where a sample is incorporated into a laboratory's system. This step includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary scan for drugs of abuse. Screening is cost-effective for eliminating drug use on most samples; however, any positive result needs additional confirmation to be valid in court. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at minimal concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging approach to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening is attained via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples that are presumptively positive must be cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the assessment examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Guttenberg, NJ
Hair follicle testing stands superior to traditional urine methods. Offering superior detection accuracy and reliability, hair testing captures substance use over a longer timeframe. This aspect makes it a preferred choice for comprehensive assessments, giving it an edge over the limited window of urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Guttenberg, NJ
With the ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days, hair follicle testing offers a thorough look into an individual's substance history. This provides employers with an invaluable tool for understanding applicant or employee drug use, ensuring informed decision-making in the workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Guttenberg, NJ
Hair follicle tests provide a robust defense against sample tampering, minimizing the risk of adulteration. This ensures reliable and unquestionable results. The integrity of the testing process is maintained, providing stakeholders with the peace of mind that comes with having results they can trust.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Guttenberg, NJ
The convenience of our nationwide testing centers makes accessing hair follicle drug testing services easy and hassle-free. In Guttenberg and beyond, you can rely on our extensive network of locations to provide prompt and efficient testing, simplifying the process for individuals and employers alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Guttenberg, NJ
Our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, from ordering to receiving results. We prioritize privacy and ease of use to ensure that your experience is seamless and secure, addressing any concerns about confidentiality with professionalism and discretion throughout the testing procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Guttenberg, NJ
Our competitive pricing for hair follicle drug tests, coupled with fast turnaround times, offers excellent value. We provide cost-effective solutions for businesses of all sizes, ensuring that you receive quality testing services promptly, without compromising on reliability or accuracy.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Guttenberg, NJ
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched, offering high accuracy in substance detection. These tests provide results that you can trust, ensuring that any drug use is effectively identified, making them an exceptional choice for both employers and individuals in Guttenberg seeking assurance in their testing methodology.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Guttenberg, NJ
Using hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks. It enhances workplace safety by ensuring thorough and accurate substance testing, ultimately providing peace of mind for employers striving to maintain a safe and productive environment.
