Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug exposure by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, a hair sample can offer up to a 3-month detection timeframe for substances. Hair is easy to collect, relatively difficult to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we solely refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps involved in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial intake of a sample into the lab’s system. This process confirms that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although it is an economical method to eliminate drug misuse in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be legally valid. Any samples that appear positive during Screening need a further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are drawn from hair at a considerably lower concentration than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening finding is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation as required. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and conforms to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Victory Lakes, NJ
In Victory Lakes, NJ, hair follicle testing is superior to traditional urine tests due to its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests offer an extended detection window, providing a more comprehensive overview of an individual’s drug use history. This method ensures more accurate results and minimizes manipulation, which can occasionally affect urine test outcomes.
Extended Detection Window in Victory Lakes, NJ
Hair follicle testing offers a remarkable advantage with its extensive detection period, capturing drug use for up to 90 days. This method provides employers in Victory Lakes, NJ with a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance usage history, extending well beyond the short detection window of urine tests. This comprehensive coverage allows more informed decision-making regarding applicants and employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Victory Lakes, NJ
Victory Lakes residents can rely on hair follicle tests for their tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing risks associated with sample adulteration. This method ensures that drug testing outcomes are both reliable and beyond dispute, as the collection and testing process is virtually impossible to manipulate, thus enhancing the credibility of test results and supporting fair evaluation.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Victory Lakes, NJ
With testing centers scattered across the US, including Victory Lakes, NJ, accessing hair follicle testing services is easy and convenient. Nationwide locations guarantee quick and hassle-free testing, ensuring individuals and businesses can promptly address their testing needs. This accessibility supports efficient, widespread use of reliable testing methods throughout various regions.
Simple, Confidential Process in Victory Lakes, NJ
In Victory Lakes, NJ, hair follicle testing ensures a simple and confidential experience. The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving results is streamlined to address privacy concerns effectively. This approach ensures individuals can manage their drug testing needs smoothly and with ease while guaranteeing that personal data and results remain secure and confidential throughout the procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Victory Lakes, NJ
Hair follicle testing in Victory Lakes, NJ offers competitive pricing structures along with fast turnaround times. This makes it a cost-effective choice for businesses of any size, maintaining high-quality service without significant costs. By providing affordable and timely results, this testing method delivers great value and reassurance to companies seeking efficient drug screening solutions.
Hair follicle testing in Victory Lakes, NJ stands out for its high precision and speed. It reliably detects substance use with impressive accuracy, giving individuals and organizations fast, trustworthy results. These tests are designed to quickly identify drug presence, streamlining the decision-making process for employers and fulfilling compliance requirements effectively.
This method ensures peace of mind with its swift and precise outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Victory Lakes, NJ
Employers in Victory Lakes, NJ benefit greatly from using hair follicle testing to maintain a drug-free workplace. By ensuring compliance with stringent policies, companies reduce legal risks and enhance workplace safety. This testing provides peace of mind for employers, as it offers reliable, comprehensive insights into employees' substance use history, bolstering responsible management practices.
