Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term data on alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG add-ons or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses any other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in a laboratory involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the initial processing of a sample in the lab's system. This step verifies that the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid check for drug abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for disqualifying most samples, any positive result requires confirmation to be valid in a legal setting. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of a positive Screening result is performed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Towaco, NJ
In Towaco, NJ, hair follicle testing outperforms urine tests with its superior detection capabilities and reliability. While urine tests are common, hair tests offer a broader detection window, capturing substance use over a longer period. This ability allows for a comprehensive view of a person's substance history, providing clarity that urine tests cannot match.
Extended Detection Window in Towaco, NJ
With an extended detection window reaching up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Towaco, NJ, provides an encompassing view of an individual's substance history. Employers favor this method as it offers insight into longer-term substance use patterns among employees and applicants, ensuring informed hiring and employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Towaco, NJ
In Towaco, NJ, hair follicle tests are renowned for their resistance to tampering, making them virtually foolproof. Offering reliable and unquestionable outcomes, these tests minimize the risk of sample adulteration. This ensures that results are trustworthy, providing peace of mind for employers and other concerned parties.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Towaco, NJ
Accredited Drug Testing offers the convenience of nationwide testing centers, including local facilities in Towaco, NJ, ensuring fast, straightforward, and hassle-free access to testing services. This expansive network guarantees that individuals and employers can quickly reach a location for testing, fostering ease and efficiency.
Simple, Confidential Process in Towaco, NJ
In Towaco, NJ, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns effectively. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, each step is streamlined, ensuring ease for users while maintaining discretion, thereby preserving the confidentiality of participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Towaco, NJ
Accredited Drug Testing in Towaco, NJ, offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. Our value-driven services cater to companies of all sizes, providing cost-effective and swift solutions that yield peace of mind and ensure timely decision-making, all while maintaining high-quality standards and performance.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Towaco, NJ
In Towaco, NJ, the precision of hair follicle drug tests is unmatched, offering swift and dependable outcomes. The tests are highly acclaimed for their exceptional accuracy in identifying substance use. This level of precision ensures that employers and individuals receive the most trustworthy results promptly, aiding in making informed decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Towaco, NJ
Employers in Towaco, NJ, gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing, which strengthens adherence to drug-free workplace policies. By reducing legal risks and boosting workplace safety, this method ensures that the environment remains compliant, which is pivotal for maintaining a secure and productive workplace.