Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to approximately three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For testing such as EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is advised. It's advisable to weigh the hair on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results includes four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of preparing a sample for entry into a laboratory system. This step verifies that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry that wasn't captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid check for drug abuse. Although screening offers a cost-effective method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive result needs confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples identified as presumptively positive during Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, more hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are used to confirm any positive screening results. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Matawan, NJ, hair follicle testing is an advantageous alternative to traditional urine tests. Not only does it provide a longer detection window, but its accuracy is unrivaled. Hair tests capture a comprehensive history of substance use, offering more detailed insights compared to urine tests.
When it comes to the battle between hair and urine drug testing, hair tests prove superior in many aspects. Their reliability and resistance to tampering ensure that results are credible, something urine tests struggle with due to easier contamination.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Matawan, NJ, is unmatched. With a capability to identify drug use up to 90 days prior, this method supplies employers with a substantial view of an individual’s substance history, essential for informed decisions.
Employers can rely on hair testing for a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's past behavior. This method covers a wide timeframe, unlike other tests that only provide a snapshot of recent drug intake, hence offering a more comprehensive assessment.
Hair follicle tests in Matawan, NJ, offer a robust defense against sample tampering. The process of collection is observed, minimizing the risk of adulteration or substitution, commonly seen in urine tests, thereby ensuring accurate results.
This method's innate resistance to tampering makes it a reliable choice for obtaining uncontaminated samples. As a result, organizations can trust the results without fear of manipulation, preserving the integrity of the testing process.
With numerous nationwide testing centers, including those in Matawan, NJ, accessibility to testing services is effortless. Our local facilities provide seamless, convenient options for individuals and employers, ensuring prompt service without the hassle.
The availability of several testing locations across the nation guarantees that everyone can access our services swiftly, reducing wait times and simplifying the testing process for all involved.
In Matawan, NJ, our drug testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, privacy is a priority. Our system ensures clients feel secure and confident in handling sensitive information.
Our process simplifies testing by reducing unnecessary complexities. This gives clients peace of mind, knowing that both privacy and ease of use are emphasized, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish.
In Matawan, NJ, our hair follicle testing services are not only swift but also cost-effective. Competitive pricing makes them accessible to businesses of all sizes, ensuring high value without compromising quality.
The quick turnaround of results, coupled with affordable rates, provides an advantageous option for companies. This combination of speed and affordability helps maintain budgets while achieving reliable outcomes.
In Matawan, NJ, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests stand out. These tests are highly accurate, ensuring a detailed analysis of substance use. They efficiently pinpoint drug consumption over a significant timeframe, offering reliable outcomes that both employers and individuals can trust.
With hair follicle testing, results are obtained swiftly without compromising accuracy. This leads to faster decision-making, a crucial aspect in situations requiring timely interventions. High precision works in tandem with rapid results, making this testing method a preferred choice.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Matawan, NJ, boosts compliance with workplace drug policies. For employers, it reduces the risk of non-compliance-related legal issues and fosters a safer work environment, enhancing overall operational productivity.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing their testing methods align with zero-tolerance policies. This compliance not only minimizes potential risks but also promotes a culture of safety and reliability within the workplace.
