Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can provide insight into alcohol and drug use for about a 3-month period. The collection process is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (resembling the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the area nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for analysis and confirmation. For EtG tests, additional screenings, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It is advisable to measure the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equal amount of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The central steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is processed into a laboratory’s system. This consists of ensuring the sample was sealed and delivered correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry that isn’t covered by an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening is a swift preliminary check for substance abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be valid in legal settings. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and primed for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is considered a challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that show presumptive positivity are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the hair follicle situated beneath the scalp
In Somerdale, NJ, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in terms of accuracy and reliability. The main advantage lies in its extensive detection window, which far exceeds the capabilities of regular urine analysis. Hair tests offer greater accuracy due to their inherent detection durability.
One of the most notable benefits of hair follicle testing in Somerdale, NJ is its extended detection window. This testing method can reveal drug use looking back up to 90 days, providing a clearer picture of an individual's substance history for employers.
Hair follicle tests in Somerdale, NJ offer a tamper-resistant testing method that minimizes risks of sample adulteration. This naturally makes it harder to cheat compared to other testing forms.
With convenient testing locations nationwide, including Somerdale, NJ, we make access to hair follicle testing as hassle-free as possible. Clients can find a testing center near them easily.
Experiencing a simple, confidential process for hair follicle testing in Somerdale, NJ allays privacy concerns. Our system for ordering, testing, and obtaining results prioritizes confidentiality.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround in Somerdale, NJ, our hair follicle testing service provides great value. Competitive pricing structures and swift results help companies of any size gain peace of mind.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Somerdale, NJ offer unparalleled reliability. They provide fast results and maintain high accuracy, making them a preferred choice for detecting substance use effectively.
Employers gain compliance and peace of mind by using hair follicle testing in Somerdale, NJ. These tests help ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reduce legal risks, and improve safety.
