Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a historical record of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strands. Hair collected near the scalp offers an approximate 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and transport is uncomplicated.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 hairs (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, yields 100mg, which is optimal for screening and confirming. For EtG, extended tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is preferred. It's advisable to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be absent, a comparable quantity of body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" specifically means scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with incorporating a sample into a laboratory’s system. This phase checks the sample's seal and shipment, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completes any missing data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary inspection for abused drugs. Though cost-effective for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal validity. Presumptive positives from Screening need further confirmation.
With a presumptive positive at Screening, more hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at comparatively lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS confirm any positive screen results. Before confirmation, all presumptive positives undergo washing as needed. The whole lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is reviewed according to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Toms River, NJ, far surpasses traditional urine tests. It offers shorter turnaround times and reduced chances of adulteration. Hair testing captures a longer detection window of drug use, extending up to 90 days, unlike urine testing, which has a shorter detection period.
Because of these benefits, hair testing stands out for accuracy and reliability, providing a clearer picture of an individual's substance use history without the limitations urine tests present.
In Toms River, NJ, the significant advantage of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. Unlike traditional methods, hair tests can detect substance use for up to 90 days, allowing employers to review a more comprehensive history of an individual's drug habits.
This broader detection capability is instrumental for organizations needing to uphold safety and integrity, offering insights into long-term drug use patterns that urine testing cannot provide.
Hair follicle testing in Toms River, NJ, significantly mitigates the risk of specimen adulteration. Its tamper-proof nature ensures accuracy and reliability, as the collection process is monitored, reducing the chance of sample tampering.
This method's robustness provides employers and other entities with trustworthy results, standing as an unchallengeable means of verifying an individual's substance use history.
Toms River, NJ, benefits from the extensive network of testing locations provided by our services. With numerous centers nationwide, accessing a testing site is convenient and hassle-free, regardless of where you reside.
Our widespread facilities ensure employers and individuals can obtain drug testing swiftly, enhancing accessibility and reducing any inconvenience associated with obtaining tests.
In Toms River, NJ, the process for hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, the steps prioritize user privacy and satisfaction, ensuring ease of use throughout.
We address privacy concerns by adhering to strict confidentiality protocols, allowing individuals to partake in tests with confidence in their information's protection.
Offering competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, our hair follicle testing in Toms River, NJ, delivers excellent value. The efficiency of our process ensures results are delivered promptly, catering to businesses of varying sizes.
This affordability in combination with swift processing makes it an attractive option for employers seeking comprehensive and cost-effective drug testing solutions.
In Toms River, NJ, hair follicle drug testing is celebrated for its rapid and precise outcomes. The technology ensures high accuracy in identifying substance use, providing peace of mind. This swiftness in results supports employers in maintaining drug-free environments expeditiously.
This method offers an unparalleled level of precision, crucial for organizations seeking reliable drug testing solutions. By accurately pinpointing substance presence, hair analyses uphold rigorous standards of testing efficacy.
Employers in Toms River, NJ, find peace by integrating hair follicle testing into their drug-free policies. This method ensures compliance with regulations, reducing legal exposure and enhancing workplace safety, offering assurance through reliable screening.
Utilizing hair testing provides a safeguard against potential risks, helping companies maintain a drug-free environment while mitigating any associated challenges.
