Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely recognized as a robust approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can reveal a long-term history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drug use. Hair is straightforward to collect, difficult to adulterate, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg, the perfect quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair might be used. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair includes other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core steps in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into the lab’s system. This process includes verifying the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Presumptively positive Screening samples require further confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. At this point, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation of positive screening results is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation when required. The laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Termed "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Millington, NJ, hair tests surpass traditional urine analysis by delivering superior reliability and detection accuracy. Their ability to identify drug use over a 90-day window makes hair tests invaluable in verifying prolonged substance abstinence.
The extensive detection period coupled with the impossibility of tampering contributes to the rising preference for hair testing over urine testing by many institutions.
Extended Detection Window
With capabilities that span up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Millington, NJ provides employers with an exhaustive insight into an individual's drug usage history. This method ensures a fuller picture of an applicant's or employee's patterns, thus facilitating informed decisions.
Such a lengthy detection timeline aids in recognizing long-term habits, making it a critical tool in pre-employment and workplace evaluations.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Millington, NJ, hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the chances of sample manipulation, yielding reliable and unimpeachable outcomes. The method's resistance to tampering hinges on its observed collection process and complex analysis.
This robust security reduces the incidence of fabricated results, establishing hair tests as a trustworthy choice for accurate drug detection.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Access to proficient hair follicle testing in Millington, NJ is streamlined through numerous centers nationwide, ensuring hassle-free, prompt service.
These strategically placed facilities make it convenient for users to reach testing sites, fostering an environment of ease and efficiency in the testing process, regardless of location.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Millington, NJ, ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and private. This confidentiality reassures users, offering a seamless experience from start to finish.
By prioritizing privacy and simplicity, these procedures cater to individuals' concerns, fostering user confidence and ease throughout the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Competitive pricing structures in Millington, NJ highlight the value offered by hair follicle testing services, coupled with swift turnaround times.
These economic advantages ensure that organizations of all sizes can benefit from reliable drug testing without straining their budgets, providing durable peace of mind and operational efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Millington, NJ, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed in analyzing substance use. The accuracy of these tests ensures that users receive dependable information quickly, allowing for prompt decision-making.
The efficiency of hair testing stems from its ability to detect a broad spectrum of substances, thus providing a comprehensive overview within a brief period. This swift process enhances workplace safety and compliance.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Millington, NJ find assurance through hair follicle testing as it guarantees adherence to drug-free workplace mandates, mitigating legal risks and fortifying safety standards.
These tests provide peace of mind by promoting compliance with employment policies, lessening liability, and enhancing overall organizational security.