Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures drug and alcohol markers within the strands as they grow, offering a comprehensive timeline. When obtained close to the scalp, hair can indicate drug and alcohol use over an approximate 90-day period. Collecting hair is straightforward, less susceptible to tampering, and easy to transport.
An ideal test specimen consists of a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 strands of hair (akin to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, weighing around 100mg. This is suitable for both preliminary and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional tests, or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. Utilize a jeweler’s scale for precision weighing. If scalp hair is unavailable, a matching amount of body hair is an alternative. References to head hair imply scalp hair specifically, while body hair encompasses other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test laboratory processing encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is formally introduced into the lab system. This process ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills any data gaps not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
The Screening phase conducts a preliminary check for abused drugs. While a cost-effective method for negating drug use in most samples, any positive results detected during Screening must undergo Confirmation to be legally valid. All samples initially flagged as positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair from the initial sample goes through Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine, saliva), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Confirmation for any positive screen involves techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Pre-confirmation, all suspected positive samples undergo necessary washing. The entire lab process is reviewed and adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the skin.
When it comes to detecting drug use in Mount Hermon, NJ, hair follicle testing surpasses conventional urine testing. The reliability of hair testing in identifying substance use is unmatched, offering superior accuracy.
Employers in Mount Hermon, NJ, benefit from the extended detection period of hair follicle tests. This method provides a comprehensive insight into a person’s substance use over as much as 90 days.
The risk of sample adulteration is greatly minimized with hair follicle testing in Mount Hermon, NJ, reinforcing the reliability and credibility of the results obtained from this method.
Our widespread network of testing locations, including those in Mount Hermon, NJ, offers unbeatable convenience, allowing clients easy access to drug testing services nationwide.
In Mount Hermon, NJ, the hair follicle testing process is designed for simplicity and confidentiality, ensuring clients experience minimal hassle from ordering to receiving results, while maintaining privacy.
Offering competitive pricing and quick turnaround times in Mount Hermon, NJ, our hair follicle testing solutions provide outstanding value and assurance to businesses of varying sizes.
In Mount Hermon, NJ, the speed and accuracy of hair follicle drug tests make them an ideal choice. These tests offer a high degree of precision in identifying traces of substances, ensuring reliable results every time.
In Mount Hermon, NJ, hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and enhancing overall workplace safety.
