Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective approach for identifying substance use, including drugs and alcohol. It offers a longitudinal record of substance intake by capturing biomarkers within the hair fiber as it grows. When hair is taken near the scalp, it affords a detection span of up to approximately 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. The process of obtaining hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (akin to a #2 pencil in width) taken nearest the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the perfect quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional assessments, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement. If scalp hair is not present, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair specifically imply scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in processing a laboratory drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's tracking system. This phase verifies that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any additional data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid examination for substances of abuse. Although Screening serves as an economical means to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, any positive screen must be corroborated for legal admissibility. Samples showing presumptive positivity during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positivity from Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Here, substances are drawn from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than with alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), representing why hair drug screening is the most intricate method to conduct.
Verification of positive screening results is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity are cleansed before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligns with the ISO / IEC 17025 standards for accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", the assessment actually inspects the hair strand rather than the hair follicle found beneath the scalp.
In Pine Lake Park, NJ, hair follicle testing stands superior to urine tests. Benefits of hair testing include its comprehensive detection and reliability.
Hair follicle drug testing in Pine Lake Park, NJ, allows for up to a 90-day detection period. Extended detection timescales give employers insight into an individual's substance use history.
Hair follicle testing in Pine Lake Park, NJ, offers a tamper-resistant solution. This method significantly lessens the probability of sample adulteration, leading to unquestionable and accurate results.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenience with numerous testing centers across Pine Lake Park, NJ, and nationwide. This setup allows for quick and accessible testing, catering to various needs.
The hair follicle testing process in Pine Lake Park, NJ, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. This simplifies ordering, collecting, and receiving results while ensuring privacy.
In Pine Lake Park, NJ, hair follicle testing services are offered at competitive prices with a fast turnaround. This combination provides value and peace of mind for companies of all sizes.
For those in Pine Lake Park, NJ, hair follicle drug tests promise speed and precision, delivering accurate substance use detection. Precision is enhanced by the meticulous analysis process, providing fast and reliable outcomes.
For employers in Pine Lake Park, NJ, hair follicle testing aids in enforcing drug-free workplace policies. This testing method supports compliance and promotes a safer work environment.