Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair gives an extended historical record of alcohol and drug exposure by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair fibers. By collecting hair close to the scalp, it can offer a detection period of up to about three months for both alcohol and drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A sample length of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the perfect quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to have 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. In cases where scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. When we mention head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is processed into the laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample has been sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any extra data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a rapid preliminary check for the presence of drugs of abuse. While being a cost-efficient way to eliminate drug use in many samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be permissible in court. Any samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening need further verification.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods such as urine or oral fluids, making hair drug screening a highly complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo cleaning as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process, encompassing Accessioning through to Confirmation, adheres to the standards set by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test actually analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Surf City, NJ
Hair follicle tests offer a superior alternative to urine tests, majorly due to their elevated detection accuracy and dependability. These tests are highly resistant to tampering and provide extensive detection periods.
Employers value this testing method's reliability, giving them confidence in maintaining a drug-free workplace, unlike less robust urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Surf City, NJ
Hair follicle drug testing provides a detection range of up to 90 days, significantly extending the period for identifying substance use. This lengthy window allows for a complete understanding of an individual’s drug use history.
Such an extended detection period is invaluable for employers, offering them insights beyond immediate usage and ensuring thorough analysis.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Surf City, NJ
Hair follicle testing diminishes the likelihood of sample tampering, ensuring the results remain credible and unquestionable.
This robustness makes hair follicle tests a preferred choice for those seeking steadfast results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Surf City, NJ
Our extensive network of testing centers nationally guarantees swift and seamless access to our services. Whether locally or across the nation, testing is always accessible.
Enjoy quick and easy testing solutions designed for your convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Surf City, NJ
The procedures for organizing, undergoing, and receiving results from hair follicle tests are designed to be straightforward and secure.
Address privacy concerns by ensuring a secure and private testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Surf City, NJ
Our competitive pricing strategy and brisk turnaround times deliver excellent value, catering to diverse company sizes.
Benefit from efficient service without straining budgets, guaranteeing value and reassurance.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Surf City, NJ
The precision of hair follicle testing ensures extremely accurate detection of drug use. These tests rapidly identify a range of substances, providing dependable results for employers and individuals.
With its high accuracy, hair follicle testing outperforms traditional methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Surf City, NJ
With hair follicle testing, employers easily comply with drug-free workplace mandates, reducing the risk of legal issues and boosting safety.
Choosing hair testing means peace of mind, knowing standards are consistently met.
