Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a lengthy record of these substances by holding biomarkers in the strands as the hair grows. When cut close to the scalp, hair can offer up to a 90-day detection span for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches comprising approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be collected. Head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair. Meanwhile, body hair includes all other hair types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test encompasses four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary integration of a sample into a lab's system. This step involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any extra data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial swift assessment for illicit drugs. While Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, any positive finding warrants confirmation to be valid in court. Samples that are presumably positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a specimen is seemingly positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and then readied for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other means (such as urine or oral fluid), which accounts for why hair drug screening is the most intricate method to execute.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation if needed. The full laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the process analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In the realm of drug detection, hair follicle testing in Jefferson, NJ, outperforms traditional urine tests. This is due to its higher accuracy in identifying drug use over an extended period. Unlike urine tests that may only detect drug use in recent days, hair tests offer a comprehensive view dating back up to 90 days, proving more reliable for employers aiming for stringent drug-free policies.
One of the standout advantages of hair follicle testing in Jefferson, NJ, is its extended detection window. This method allows for the identification of drug use up to 90 days prior, providing employers with a fuller picture of an individual's substance use history. Such a comprehensive view helps businesses make informed decisions about potential hires or current employees.
Hair follicle testing in Jefferson, NJ, significantly minimizes the chance of sample tampering or adulteration. Its collection process makes it challenging for individuals to tamper with hair samples, ensuring that results are both trustworthy and conclusive. This makes hair testing an ideal choice for businesses seeking accurate drug testing methods.
With testing centers spread across the nation, including Jefferson, NJ, Accredited Drug Testing facilitates straightforward and convenient access to drug testing services. This extensive network guarantees ease of testing, making it simple for individuals to find a nearby location without hassle, ensuring quick service when needed.
In Jefferson, NJ, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy and ease concerns. From ordering to receiving results, the procedure is designed to be as stress-free as possible, assuring individuals that their privacy is well-protected throughout the process.
Accredited Drug Testing offers attractive pricing models and fast turnaround times in Jefferson, NJ, making hair follicle testing affordable and efficient for businesses of all sizes. This combination of cost-effectiveness and rapid results provides companies with excellent value, easing budget concerns while ensuring timely information.
Hair follicle testing in Jefferson, NJ, provides unparalleled precision and speed, quickly identifying drug use with impressive accuracy. The method excels at delivering reliable and swift outcomes, which is critical for businesses that demand timely insights into substance use among their workforce. With its high accuracy, organizations can trust the integrity and speed of results from hair follicle testing.
For employers in Jefferson, NJ, employing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug policies, enhancing safety and reducing potential legal issues. This testing method supports a drug-free environment and provides reassurance that the company is protecting its interests and ensuring the safety and efficacy of its workforce.
