Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged historical record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair strand's fibers. When procured near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to about 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 strands (roughly the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair signify only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary procedures in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's system. This comprises validation of the sample's seal and proper shipment, allocation of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and the completion of any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening require further confirmation.
In cases where a sample is presumptively positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in alternate methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is among the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine testing in Port Republic, NJ, the benefits are clear.
Superior detection makes hair testing a more reliable choice.
The hair follicle test offers an extended detection window in Port Republic, NJ, capable of identifying drug use over three months.
Long-term insight into substance use history is invaluable for employers seeking a full understanding of potential hires.
Hair follicle tests in Port Republic, NJ, significantly minimize the potential for sample tampering, offering unquestionable result reliability.
Secure methods ensure sample integrity.
Our network of testing locations, including those in Port Republic, NJ, offers convenience and accessibility.
Widespread access ensures locations are easily reached nationwide.
The process for hair follicle testing in Port Republic, NJ, is straightforward and confidential, ensuring user privacy.
Ease and privacy are central.
Our hair follicle testing in Port Republic, NJ, provides competitive pricing and quick turnaround, offering excellent value.
Affordability and speed are assured.
Hair follicle testing in Port Republic, NJ, delivers swift and precise results, boasting high accuracy in identifying substance use.
Quick results ensure that individuals and organizations receive dependable information promptly, crucial for making informed decisions.
Employing hair follicle testing in Port Republic, NJ, ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies.
Compliance and safety are enhanced, reducing legal risks for employers.
