Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft, hair offers an extended record of alcohol and drug use. When gathered near the scalp, hair can present a detection period of up to nearly three months for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal sample volume for testing and validation. For EtG, additional substances, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, a collection of 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unobtainable, an equivalent volume of body hair can be gathered. 'Head hair' specifies only scalp hair. 'Body hair' denotes all other types (beard, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test outcomes consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the lab’s processes. This phase includes validating the sample's seal and shipment, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data not supplied by an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening is a preliminary rapid test for drug presence. Although cost-effective for excluding drug use in many samples, a positive screen result needs affirmation to be legally defensible. All samples tentatively positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
In instances of a presumptively positive sample during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for preparation in the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly diminished concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening a particularly challenging process.
Confirmation of positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples initially positive are sanitized before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized per both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Oakland, NJ
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests with its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. This method ensures a more comprehensive view of substance history, offering employers reassurance and a clear picture of an individual’s drug use that cannot be matched by traditional urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Oakland, NJ
Hair follicle testing provides a wide detection range, spanning up to 90 days. This allows employers to gauge long-term substance use, offering a detailed historical perspective of an applicant's or an employee's drug habits, an advantage not seen with shorter-term testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Oakland, NJ
Hair follicle tests offer robust defenses against tampering, yielding results that are trusted and verifiable. Their resistance to sample adulteration ensures the integrity of the testing process, reducing the risk of incorrect or misleading outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Oakland, NJ
With a network of testing centers nationwide, including local facilities in Oakland, NJ, accessing our testing services is both swift and convenient. This ensures an easy and seamless experience for all clients, no matter their location, reinforcing our commitment to accessibility and convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Oakland, NJ
Our testing procedure in Oakland, NJ, ensures simplicity and privacy, from order placement to result delivery. This confidentiality respects client concerns, maintaining discretion while delivering an effortless and efficient customer experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Oakland, NJ
We provide highly competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times in Oakland, NJ, delivering great value to companies. This balance of cost-effectiveness and prompt results allows for peace of mind and efficient business operations across various industries.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Oakland, NJ
The precision and rapidity of hair follicle drug tests have set them apart in Oakland, NJ. This testing method excels in accurately identifying substance use, providing results that are not only swift but also highly reliable, ensuring employers receive trustworthy data to make informed decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Oakland, NJ
Utilizing hair follicle tests helps employers maintain adherence to drug-free workplace guidelines, minimizing legal liabilities and promoting a safe working environment. The assurance this testing method offers is invaluable for maintaining corporate compliance and peace of mind.
