Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged timeline of substance use by preserving biomarkers within the hair shaft as it grows. When hair is sampled near the scalp, it can potentially provide up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) cut closest to the scalp yields approximately 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be utilized. By "head hair," we specifically mean scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a specimen within a lab’s system, verifying correct sample sealing and packaging, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for drug presence. Although cost-effective for ruling out drug usage for most samples, positive screens require confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are initially positive in Screening must proceed to secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests as presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction process. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair in significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or saliva), highlighting the challenge of hair drug testing.
Positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The comprehensive laboratory process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, undergoes evaluation under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the test evaluates the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing: In Mount Arlington, NJ, hair tests surpass traditional urine tests with superior detection capability and accuracy. These tests provide reliable results over an extended period, ideal for employers seeking thorough screenings.
Extended Detection Window: Hair follicle testing in Mount Arlington, NJ is unmatched in its ability to trace substances over 90 days. This broad window offers employers comprehensive insights into past drug use, aiding in informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method: In Mount Arlington, NJ, hair follicle tests are renowned for minimizing sample tampering risks, delivering dependable and irrefutable outcomes. This reliability is essential for maintaining test integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations: With numerous centers, including those in Mount Arlington, NJ, accessing our testing services is effortless, leaving no room for hassle and promoting peace of mind.
Simple, Confidential Process: Experience straightforward, confidential drug testing in Mount Arlington, NJ. Our streamlined method from ordering to result reception ensures your privacy concerns are met with ease.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround: In Mount Arlington, NJ, our competitive pricing and swift service ensure excellent value. We deliver quick, reliable results, catering to businesses of all scales.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results: In Mount Arlington, NJ, hair follicle drug tests offer unrivaled precision and speed, guaranteeing high accuracy in identifying substance traces. This modern detection method ensures quick results, making it a preferred choice for drug testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers: By utilizing hair follicle testing in Mount Arlington, NJ, employers can adhere to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities and bolstering safety.
