Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can offer up to around a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat challenging to adulterate, and straightforward to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hairs (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair can be gathered. When we discuss head hair, we mean scalp hair alone. Body hair refers to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps within the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the primary handling of a sample into a laboratory’s system. It includes checking that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, giving a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any further data entry not offered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary basic evaluation for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be permissible in court. Any samples that are preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.
If a sample is preliminarily positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair at a notably lower concentration than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often called "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Waldwick, NJ
The benefits of hair testing over traditional urine testing are significant. Hair tests demonstrate superior detection and reliability. They provide a longer detection period, revealing usage patterns that urine tests might miss. For those in Waldwick, NJ, this means better detection accuracy, ensuring a clearer picture of substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Waldwick, NJ
Hair follicle testing provides a much longer period for detecting drug use, up to 90 days. This extended window allows a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, particularly beneficial for employers in Waldwick, NJ, looking for a thorough understanding of employee or applicant behavior.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Waldwick, NJ
Hair follicle tests offer a testing method that greatly reduces the risk of sample tampering. This ensures that the results are reliable and unquestionable, providing confidence in the outcomes. For Waldwick, NJ, residents, this means having a test that stands up against attempts to adulterate, maintaining the integrity of the screening process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Waldwick, NJ
Our nationwide network of testing centers ensures easy access to services wherever you are. In Waldwick, NJ, this results in quick and hassle-free testing, providing convenience for all individuals needing drug tests without unnecessary delays.
Simple, Confidential Process in Waldwick, NJ
The process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is simple and confidential. In Waldwick, NJ, this ensures concerns of privacy are met, and the user-friendly procedures make drug testing an easy experience for all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Waldwick, NJ
Offering competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, our hair follicle testing in Waldwick, NJ, provides great value. Companies of all sizes can benefit from reasonable prices and swift responses, making drug testing both affordable and efficient.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Waldwick, NJ
Hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision and speed. They offer high accuracy in detecting substance use, making them a dependable choice for timely insights into drug use. In Waldwick, NJ, individuals and employers can rely on these tests for rapid and precise test results, ensuring informed decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Waldwick, NJ
Employers using hair follicle tests ensure compliance with drug-free policies. This helps reduce legal risks and enhances workplace safety, offering peace of mind. In Waldwick, NJ, adopting such testing protocols supports a secure and compliant work environment.
