Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and substance usage by embedding biomarkers within the hair's fiber. When hair is taken from near the scalp, it offers around a three-month window for detecting alcohol and other drugs. The collection process is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp is equal to 100mg, the preferred amount for analysis and validation. For EtG tests, add-ons, and/or examinations exceeding 10-panel, 150mg of hair is advisable. It's prudent to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair is permissible. It's important to note that ‘head hair’ pertains specifically to scalp hair, whereas ‘body hair’ includes all other varieties (face, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing workflow of a drug test result involves four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step which incorporates the sample into a laboratory’s system. It involves checking that the sample has been sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid test for detecting drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method for discounting drug use in a majority of specimens, a positive outcome necessitates confirmation to be legally admissible. Any specimens that test presumptively positive during Screening must undergo a follow-up confirmation.
For samples testing presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. This stage involves removing drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Positive screening results are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the accreditation of ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the evaluation pertains to the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the skin.
Hair follicle testing outshines urine testing in Port Monmouth, NJ because of its superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional methods, hair tests provide a broader detection window and are harder to manipulate.
In Port Monmouth, NJ, one standout feature of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. Employers gain access to a comprehensive history of substance use, as the test can detect drug use for up to 90 days.
Hair follicle testing in Port Monmouth, NJ is notably tamper-resistant. The method significantly mitigates risks associated with sample adulteration, offering dependable results that leave no room for doubt.
With numerous testing locations across the nation, including locally in Port Monmouth, NJ, we ensure convenient access to drug testing services, facilitating a seamless experience for all users.
Our approach in Port Monmouth, NJ is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the process is designed to be straightforward, addressing privacy concerns and ease of use.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services in Port Monmouth, NJ deliver great value for businesses, boosting confidence with prompt outcomes.
Hair follicle tests provide fast and accurate results, making them a preferred choice in Port Monmouth, NJ. Their precision in identifying substances ensures a reliable overview of an individual's drug use over time.
Employers in Port Monmouth, NJ can enjoy peace of mind and enhanced compliance with workplace drug policies through hair follicle testing. It decreases legal risks while promoting a safer work environment.
