Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination has emerged as an influential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of substances by holding biomarkers within the growing hair strand's fibers. When gathered near the scalp, it can reveal a detection timeline of nearly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, moderately challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
An ideal examination comprises a 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair, optimal for screening and validation. For tests such as EtG add-ons or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. Should scalp hair be absent, an equivalent amount of body hair may be gathered. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encapsulates all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test entails four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the sample's preliminary processing into a lab's system, involving the verification of proper sealing and shipping, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening executes an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While a cost-efficient approach involves ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screening necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Any presumptively positive Screening samples require subsequent confirmation.
Should a Screening stage result suggest positivity, additional hair is taken, and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than other procedures (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most intricate methodology.
Confirmation of positive results occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples receive washing before confirmation if needed. The entire laboratory operation from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the test analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
The advantages of hair testing over urine tests are clear in Pomona, NJ. Hair follicle testing boasts superior detection strength, offering dependable results that capture a wider time window of substance use. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair testing is less easily manipulated and gives a more consistent and accurate picture of an individual’s drug history.
One significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Pomona, NJ, is its extended detection window. This method provides insights into drug use for up to 90 days past, delivering a thorough overview of an individual's substance history. This extended detection period aids employers in making informed hiring decisions by understanding an applicant's past drug use better.
Hair follicle testing drastically reduces sample tampering, thus securing accurate and reliable results in Pomona, NJ. Its resilient nature against adulteration means that it delivers a trustworthy result unlike other methods. Employers and legal systems can depend on this method for its resistance to cheating and manipulation.
With numerous testing centers nationwide, including local ones in Pomona, NJ, accessing drug testing services is convenient. Our widespread locations ensure easy and hassle-free testing experiences, allowing you to complete your testing quickly no matter where you're located.
The process of hair follicle testing in Pomona, NJ is straightforward and confidential. Ordering, conducting, and receiving results is simple, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use throughout the testing process. This keeps the focus on accurate results while maintaining discretion for the individual.
Hair follicle tests in Pomona, NJ are competitively priced, offering affordable rates alongside fast turnaround times. This provides businesses of all sizes with excellent value and efficiency, ensuring peace of mind without stretching the budget. Our services equate to quality and cost-effectiveness.
In Pomona, NJ, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its speed and accuracy, yielding fast, reliable results. This method excels in identifying substance use with high precision, reflecting its technological advancement in drug testing processes. When fast and accurate results are a priority, hair follicle tests meet the demand efficiently.
In Pomona, NJ, using hair follicle testing offers peace of mind to employers by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method minimizes legal risks and enhances workplace safety through its consistent and reliable testing outcomes. Employers can feel confident knowing their workforce meets safety standards.
