Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means to detect drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. A sample collected near the scalp can reveal drug and alcohol use within an approximate three-month period. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for initial screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional substances, and/or screenings beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is lacking, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When referring to head hair, we mean scalp hair only, while body hair encompasses other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for analyzing a drug test includes four major stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is logged into the laboratory’s system. This step involves confirming that the sample has been sealed and transported correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening conducts a rapid initial assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly way to eliminate drug use in most samples, any positive findings need secondary validation for legal acceptability. Samples deemed positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in the initial Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for further Examination. During this phase, drug substances are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other testing methodologies (for example, urine or oral fluid), making hair analysis the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of a positive screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. Before confirmation, all samples marked as positive are cleansed as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the examination actually targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Morris Plains, NJ, the benefits of hair follicle testing over urine testing are clear. Hair testing offers superior detection and reliable results that are more difficult to manipulate or falsify. While traditional urine tests are common, hair tests provide a more conclusive overview of an individual's substance use, making it a trusted choice for thorough assessments.
In Morris Plains, NJ, hair follicle tests offer an extended detection window, capturing drug use history up to 90 days. For employers, this assures a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance habits, surpassing the capabilities of shorter-duration tests and delivering a thorough overview of potential substance use.
Choose a reliable and tamper-resistant testing method in Morris Plains, NJ, with hair follicle tests. Unlike alternative methods, these tests are difficult to adulterate, ensuring you receive unwavering and accurate results, free from deceptive tactics. This provides peace of mind for both employers and legal authorities when verifying substance use history.
With convenient nationwide testing locations, including Morris Plains, NJ, accessing hair follicle testing services is swift and hassle-free. Our network ensures that individuals and employers benefit from widespread coverage, providing quick and easy access to quality testing facilities without the inconvenience of long travel.
A simple and confidential process awaits clients in Morris Plains, NJ, as they order, undergo, and receive results from hair follicle tests. Our approach addresses privacy and user-friendliness concerns, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish that respects individual confidentiality and ensures efficient outcomes.
Affordable pricing options in Morris Plains, NJ, paired with quick turnaround times, offer exceptional value to businesses of all sizes. Our competitive pricing structure ensures organizations enjoy great benefits without breaking the bank. Secure both peace of mind and financial savings with our efficient testing services today.
Experience rapid and precise results in Morris Plains, NJ, with hair follicle drug testing. This method offers unmatched accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring swift assessments. Companies and individuals benefit from the reliable and efficient outcomes provided by this advanced testing technique.
Employers in Morris Plains, NJ, gain compliance and peace of mind by utilizing hair follicle testing. These tests uphold drug-free policies, reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety. The reliable results support transparent HR practices, ensuring a secure environment for all employees.