Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair tests has gained recognition as an effective means of detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands offer a detailed record of substance use by trapping indicators within the fibers of the growing strands. When samples are taken near the scalp, they can reveal drug and alcohol use for a period of up to approximately three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, difficult to manipulate, and easy to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch hair sample containing roughly 200 strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) from close to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for both initial screening and follow-up confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. It's advised to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When we refer to head hair, we are specifically addressing scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process for a drug test result in a lab involves four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the task of inputting a sample into the lab’s system. This step involves checking that the sample was correctly sealed and sent, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any further data entry that is not handled by an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening is a preliminary quick assessment for illegal drugs. While this is a cost-efficient method to negate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Any samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo a confirmation.
When a sample is flagged as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than those in other test types (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why drug screening via hair is the most challenging technique.
Positive screening confirmations are performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligns with the accreditation for ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Singac, NJ, hair follicle testing offers significant benefits over traditional urine tests. A primary benefit of hair testing is its superior detection accuracy and reliability. With the ability to identify a wide variety of substances, hair tests provide a more comprehensive analysis than urine tests. This makes them the preferred choice for employers and legal systems seeking reliable results.
Compared to urine tests, the hair follicle approach is less susceptible to manipulation. This feature alone can give stakeholders in Singac greater peace of mind in knowing the results they receive are genuine and unaltered. Hair tests also eliminate the intrusive nature and complications sometimes associated with urine collections.
The extended detection window of up to 90 days makes hair follicle testing in Singac, NJ, an invaluable tool for employers seeking a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history. This wider timeline surpasses the limited detection capabilities of urine tests, thereby giving a more detailed overview of drug use patterns.
By offering such an extensive detection period, employers in Singac can make informed decisions about current and prospective employees. The 90-day window ensures that recurring drug use is more likely to be detected, providing a full picture that goes beyond the surface level.
Hair follicle tests in Singac, NJ, present a tamper-resistant testing method that significantly lowers the risk of sample adulteration. Because the sample collection process involves cutting a sample of hair, it nearly eliminates the possibility of altering the sample unnoticed, therefore offering reliability in the testing procedure.
With this secure testing method, stakeholders can trust the validity of the results. The near-impossibility of tampering enhances its appeal to courts and employers in Singac, assuring them of credible and unquestionable outcomes. This leads to more accurate and enforceable decisions being made.
With convenient nationwide testing locations, including those in Singac, NJ, Accredited Drug Testing ensures easy access to services. This network facilitates quick and hassle-free testing, allowing individuals and employers to find testing solutions without undue stress or delay.
Offering local locations means that residents of Singac have access to nearby testing centers, removing the inconvenience of traveling long distances for a test. This accessibility improves the overall experience, making compliance with drug testing requirements achievable for everyone involved.
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results for hair follicle tests in Singac, NJ, is both simple and confidential. This straightforward approach addresses concerns around privacy and ease of use, ensuring users have a seamless experience from start to finish.
Confidentiality is a key aspect of the process, providing individuals with the assurance that their information is secure. The simplicity of the ordering procedure means that results can be received quickly and efficiently, further increasing user satisfaction and confidence in the system's integrity.
Singac, NJ, businesses benefit from affordable pricing structures and fast turnaround times when utilizing hair follicle testing services. This combination provides exceptional value, offering peace of mind that competitive costs are accompanied by reliable and quick results.
These cost-effective options make the choice of hair testing accessible to companies of all sizes. With swift delivery of outcomes, employers in Singac can make timely decisions, supporting effective workplace management. The affordability and speed translate into concrete advantages, reinforcing confidence in the testing process.
In Singac, NJ, hair follicle drug tests are known for delivering fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision in detecting substance use is superior, ensuring that individuals who have engaged in drug use are identified correctly. These tests enhance reliability, as they are processed quickly, offering results that inspire confidence and trust in decision-making processes.
The rapid turnaround time of hair tests provides a significant advantage in scenarios where quick decisions are required. Singac employers can rely on these tests as they offer a high level of accuracy, reducing the possibility of false negatives or positives. This contributes to maintaining a safe and drug-free environment promptly and efficiently.
Employers in Singac, NJ, gain compliance and peace of mind from using hair follicle testing to maintain drug-free workplace policies. The thoroughness of this testing method assures adherence to regulatory standards and minimizes legal risks associated with non-compliance.
By incorporating hair follicle tests into their safety protocols, businesses in Singac demonstrate their commitment to fostering a secure environment. This approach not only supports compliance but also reinforces a culture of trust and accountability among employees. It brings reassurance that policies are being effectively implemented and monitored.
