Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a long-standing record of alcohol and drugs by encasing biomarkers within the fibers as it grows. When retrieved near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeline of roughly up to 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collecting is straightforward, relatively troublesome to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) cut nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen is suggested. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a similar weight of body hair can be obtained. When mentioning head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four crucial phases in laboratory handling of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial processing of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step involves confirming that the sample was sealed and transported properly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any remaining data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient strategy to exclude drug consumption in the majority of samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Any samples that are initially positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample exhibit a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug analysis the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Verification of any positive screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is carried out under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In West Freehold, NJ, hair follicle testing holds a distinct advantage over urine testing. Hair tests provide a longer detection period, allowing for identification of substance use over several months, compared to mere days with urine tests. This makes hair testing a superior tool for employers and legal entities that require deeper insights into an individual's drug history.
Hair follicle testing in West Freehold, NJ extends its detection capabilities to nearly 90 days, offering a more comprehensive overview of an individual's drug use history. This extended window provides employers with critical insights into potential hires or current employees, ensuring informed decision-making based on substantial data.
Hair follicle drug tests in West Freehold, NJ, provide a tamper-resistant solution, effectively minimizing the chance of sample adulteration. The method's design ensures reliable and indisputable results, which makes it a preferred choice for organizations looking to maintain a high standard of testing integrity.
The convenience of nationwide testing centers, including those in West Freehold, NJ, provides easy and quick access to drug testing services. These strategically placed centers ensure that anyone can participate in hassle-free testing, making the process seamless and efficient for all.
The testing process in West Freehold, NJ is designed to be simple and confidential, from ordering to taking the test, and receiving results. This streamlined process respects privacy concerns and enhances user experience, ensuring peace of mind throughout all phases of testing.
The competitive pricing and swift turnaround times of hair follicle tests in West Freehold, NJ offer outstanding value for companies of every size. Businesses benefit from the cost-effectiveness and prompt results, ensuring they can maintain safety and compliance without breaking the bank.
Hair follicle drug testing in West Freehold, NJ, offers unmatched speed and precision in detecting substance use. The advanced techniques employed ensure high accuracy, providing results that professionals and individuals can confidently rely on. This reliability makes it a preferred choice over traditional methods, addressing the critical needs for fast and precise testing.
In West Freehold, NJ, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, offering employers peace of mind. By implementing these tests, legal risks are mitigated, and workplace safety is bolstered, creating a secure and harmonious working environment.
