Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 strands of hair (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers solely to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other hair types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory process for a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is entered into the lab’s system, ensuring it was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. It’s an economical method to rule out drug use for most samples, but a positive result requires confirmation for court admissibility. Presumptive positive samples in Screening need secondary confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand itself, not the below-scalp hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outperforms Urine Testing in Harlingen, NJ
Hair testing is esteemed for its superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. In Harlingen, NJ, its unmatched ability to detect drug use offers a more reliable evaluation. While urine tests focus on recent substance use, hair testing delves deeper into an individual's drug history, proving advantageous for settings requiring persistent and accurate assessments.
Extended Detection Window in Harlingen, NJ
The hair follicle method provides an extensive look into drug use lasting up to 90 days. This exhaustive detection window supplies employers with a clearer perspective of an individual's lifestyle choices. In Harlingen, NJ, strong evidence is offered for prospective employers or supervisors seeking a comprehensive review of an employee's history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Harlingen, NJ
In Harlingen, NJ, hair follicle tests are notably resistant against tampering or sample manipulation. By significantly minimizing the risk of adulteration, these tests deliver credible and reliable results. For entities where data integrity is paramount, the security of hair testing ensures accuracy and trust.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing Centers in Harlingen, NJ
For those in Harlingen, NJ, access to testing services is simplified by our extensive network of nationwide centers. This broad reach assures quick, straightforward entry to necessary tests, offering both local and nationwide conveniences, minimizing logistical challenges for both individuals and organizations alike.
Simple and Confidential Process in Harlingen, NJ
In Harlingen, NJ, the process of ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results remains straightforward and private. This secure and straightforward procedure addresses any privacy concerns, granting ease and discretion throughout the testing experience for all participants.
Affordable Pricing and Quick Processing in Harlingen, NJ
Competitively priced and characterized by rapid turnarounds, our services in Harlingen, NJ, represent excellent value for businesses of every size. Our pricing models coupled with swift result processing deliver satisfaction and assurance to companies, assuring quality without financial strain.
Rapid, Precise, and Dependable Results in Harlingen, NJ
Hair follicle drug assessments are lauded for their remarkable precision and swift outcomes. Their unparalleled accuracy in detecting substance traces sets them apart. Individuals in Harlingen, NJ, experience the benefits of fast and reliable diagnostics, ensuring a quick response in environments demanding vigilant oversight of substance intake.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Harlingen, NJ
Employers in Harlingen, NJ, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies and minimizing legal risks. These methods not only strengthen safety protocols but also foster a secure work environment by significantly reducing liabilities associated with substance misuse.
