Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Livingston, NJ

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can show a detection period of up to 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A sample size of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The drug test processing in the lab consists of four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, a sample undergoes initial integration into the lab’s system. This involves confirming the sample’s seal and shipment correctness, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails a preliminary assessment for illicit substances. While Screening provides a cost-effective means to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that are presumptive positives in Screening require further confirmation.

If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging techniques.

Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples receive washing prior to confirmation, if needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use spanning up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that have a shorter detection period.
• Hard to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is notably difficult, enhancing result accuracy.
• Supplies historical patterns: It can offer a drug usage pattern over time, beyond just recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be costlier than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and personal hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although often dubbed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why choose hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Livingston, NJ? Hair testing provides superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests detect recent drug use, hair tests extend this period significantly. Analyzing hair samples offers a wider window, minimizing the chance of evasion and providing a detailed view of substance use. Employers benefit from more dependable insights into potential employees' behaviors.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair follicle tests makes them invaluable for employers in Livingston, NJ. Capable of identifying drug use over a much longer period, up to 90 days, these tests provide a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance history. This helps employers make informed decisions about applicants or employees, considering their behavioral patterns over time.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Livingston, NJ, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing offers peace of mind to employers. Unlike other methods susceptible to adulteration, hair tests provide reliable and uncontestable results. This testing method lowers the risk of sample manipulation, ensuring that the outcomes reflect genuine substance use history, thus enhancing trust and reliability in workplace testing protocols.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenience reigns supreme with our nationwide and local testing centers in Livingston, NJ. With a wide network, Accredited Drug Testing ensures easily accessible and hassle-free services. Whether for individual or corporate needs, our centers are placed strategically to facilitate swift testing processes, ensuring clients get what they need without delay or inconvenience.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Livingston, NJ is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step ensures user privacy and ease. Clients can rest assured that their data remains secure while experiencing a simple, stress-free testing procedure, addressing any concerns related to discretion or complexity.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Experience value with our affordable pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle drug tests in Livingston, NJ. We provide competitive rates without sacrificing quality, making it accessible for companies of all sizes. Quick result delivery ensures minimal downtime, allowing businesses to proceed with confidence and efficiency in their hiring and management plans.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Livingston, NJ, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests set them apart as a top choice for accurate substance detection. Unlike other methods, hair tests provide quick results without compromising reliability. This accuracy ensures that employers receive trustworthy data about employees' or applicants' substance use habits, leading to informed decision-making in hiring and management processes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Livingston, NJ can enjoy compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. This method supports the enforcement of drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and boosting safety. By using hair testing, organizations demonstrate commitment to maintaining a trustworthy and secure environment, reinforcing their adherence to regulations and protection measures.

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