Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug use. Hair strands, by encapsulating biomarkers within their fibers as they grow, provide an extended chronological record of substance use. When the hair is obtained near the scalp, it can offer a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient to transport.
A specimen of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hairs (the circumference of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for testing purposes. For extensive testing like EtG add-ons or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is suggested for accurate measurement of the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. The term 'head hair' specifically denotes scalp hair, while 'body hair' refers to other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test samples comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory’s framework, including verifying proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any pertinent data entries absent in an electronic custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary examination for drug abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient mechanism to dismiss drug use in the majority of scenarios, positive findings from this phase must be verified for legal consideration. Presumptive positives from Screening necessitate further verification.
A presumptive positive sample in Screening calls for additional specimen hair for the Extraction phase, where drugs are separated from hair at significantly lower levels than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid). This makes hair drug screening notably challenging.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques carry out Confirmation of any positive screenings. Presumptive positive samples undergo cleaning before confirmation if needed. Both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards govern the entire lab operation from Accessioning to Confirmation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis examines the strand rather than the beneath-scalp follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hewitt, NJ
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and dependability. Hair tests excel in identifying longer-term substance use patterns. This test surpasses urine testing in reliability, making it an excellent choice for employers seeking thorough insights into drug use history.
Extended Detection Window in Hewitt, NJ
Hair follicle testing captures drug use over a period extending to 90 days, rendering a broad perspective on an individual’s substance use. This extended window enables employers to analyze an applicant's or employee’s long-term substance habits, offering important data for hiring and retention strategies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hewitt, NJ
Hair follicle tests provide a robust deterrent against sample tampering, ensuring reliable and incontestable results. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests are resistant to common forms of manipulation, enhancing the credibility and accuracy of the findings in all circumstances.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Hewitt, NJ
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures effortless access to testing services. Whether in Hewitt or elsewhere nationwide, our conveniently located centers make the process straightforward and hassle-free, facilitating quick and uncomplicated service for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hewitt, NJ
The procedure for arranging, undergoing, and obtaining results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and private. This ease of use addresses privacy concerns while minimizing any difficulties. Customers can rely on a secure, discreet process from start to finish without compromising confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hewitt, NJ
Employing competitive pricing structures and swift result delivery, our services offer excellent value. This approach ensures peace of mind for businesses of varying sizes, offering cost-effective solutions alongside rapid turnaround times, meeting the needs of any organization efficiently.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hewitt, NJ
Hair follicle drug tests provide swift and precise outcomes, detecting various substances with great accuracy. This efficiency helps ensure that employers receive trustworthy data. The high precision of hair tests supports decision-making processes by delivering fast, reliable insights into substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hewitt, NJ
Using hair follicle testing assists employers in adhering to drug-free workplace standards. This method minimizes legal consequences and promotes a safer work environment. It offers reassurance that company policies are enforced effectively, fostering a drug-free workplace culture.
