Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-lasting record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the developing hair. By collecting hair near the scalp, it offers up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and panels beyond ten, 150mg is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. 'Head hair' specifically refers to scalp hair, while 'body hair' covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory evaluation of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the preliminary handling of a specimen in a lab's system, ensuring the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial quick test for drugs of abuse. Although it provides an economical method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be affirmed to be permissible in court, requiring secondary confirmation for presumptively positive samples.
In the Screening phase, if a sample appears positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial amount for Extraction. At this point, drugs are removed from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging procedure.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is completed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every sample showing presumptive positive results is washed as necessary prior to confirmation. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests," the test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Northfield, NJ, stands superior to urine testing for several reasons. The enhanced detection accuracy and reliability hair testing offers make it a preferred choice among many. In contrast to traditional urine tests, hair follicle assessments provide a more detailed substance use history.
Employers find peace of mind in the test's comprehensive scope and its ability to reveal drug use patterns over an extended period, unachievable by urine tests.
One of the notable advantages of hair follicle testing in Northfield, NJ, is its extended detection window. Unlike other tests, this method provides a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use over a period of up to 90 days.
Employers benefit from this extended time frame as it reveals a broader span of substance history, assisting in informed decision-making regarding potential hires or current employees.
Hair follicle tests in Northfield, NJ, offer a tamper-resistant method of drug testing, significantly lowering the risk of sample adulteration. This testing approach ensures reliable and uncontaminated results each time.
Given the stringent collection process, attempts to manipulate results are effectively thwarted, reinforcing the integrity of the outcomes and securing the testing process from compromise.
With convenient nationwide and local testing centers in Northfield, NJ, accessing drug testing services has never been easier. Our comprehensive network ensures a hassle-free and swift testing experience.
These testing locations are strategically situated to provide seamless service to clients, reducing logistical concerns and offering straightforward solutions to their drug testing needs.
The drug testing process in Northfield, NJ, remains simple and confidential from the point of order through to receiving results. This effortless and secure approach ensures privacy while maintaining efficiency.
Concerns over confidentiality are mitigated thanks to secure procedures, allowing clients to focus on results and decision-making without worry over privacy breaches.
Hair follicle testing in Northfield, NJ, offers affordable pricing and rapid turnaround. Businesses of all sizes benefit from these economically viable solutions that deliver excellent value.
The quick result delivery ensures companies can make prompt decisions, paired with a pricing structure that fits different budgets, facilitating prudent and cost-effective operations.
The precision and promptness of hair follicle drug testing in Northfield, NJ, are unmatched. The high accuracy of these tests is instrumental in pinpointing substance use with speed and dependability. Accuracy in detecting drugs is paramount, and hair testing offers exceptional precision.
Compared to other methodologies, hair tests furnish swift results, equipping employers with the certainty needed for critical decision-making.
Incorporating hair follicle testing within Northfield, NJ, helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This reliable testing method diminishes legal risks and augments workplace safety.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are upholding standards, safeguarding both employees and the company's reputation by discouraging substance use and ensuring a safer working environment.
