Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive record of substance use by retaining biomarkers within the structure of the hair shaft as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers up to an approximate 90-day window for detecting alcohol and drug usage. The collection process is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches in length, consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the prime quantity for conducting screening and confirmation tests. For EtG testing, supplementary analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to use 150mg of the specimen. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accurate specimen measurement. In instances where scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent mass of body hair can be utilized. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis for drug testing encapsulates four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system, which involves verifying proper sealing and shipping, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a preliminary examination for substances of abuse. Although it serves as a budget-friendly approach to exclude drug use among most samples, any positive screening outcome necessitates further confirmation for legal acceptability. Presumptive positives identified in Screening must undergo confirmatory analysis.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. In this step, drugs are extracted at concentrations significantly lower than other methods (such as urine or saliva), solidifying hair testing as the most challenging technique.
Confirmatory examination of any potential positive screen is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes scrutiny, adhering to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly dubbed "hair follicle tests," the examination pertains to the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Westfield, NJ
For those in Westfield, NJ considering drug testing options, hair follicle testing stands out against the traditional urine approach. Not only does it boast superior detection accuracy, but it also offers enhanced reliability. Hair testing ensures a broader detection window, making it a favored choice among professionals.
Extended Detection Window in Westfield, NJ
Hair follicle testing in Westfield, NJ provides a much longer window of detection, capturing up to 90 days of an individual's substance history. This extended period ensures that employers have a comprehensive overview of a candidate or employee's past substance use, offering peace of mind during hiring or review processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Westfield, NJ
Hair follicle tests in Westfield, NJ significantly reduce the likelihood of tampering. The integrity of the test and results is maintained, as the collection process inherently limits the chance for adulteration. This ensures that outcomes are both dependable and credible.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Westfield, NJ
With testing centers available nationwide and locally in Westfield, NJ, accessing hair follicle testing services is both swift and hassle-free. This broad network of locations ensures that individuals and organizations receive quick and seamless service, minimizing disruptions.
Simple, Confidential Process in Westfield, NJ
In Westfield, NJ, hair follicle testing offers a straightforward and private procedure for sample collection and result retrieval. Concerns about privacy are addressed seamlessly, ensuring that each step in the process is conducted with confidentiality and ease.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Westfield, NJ
Westfield, NJ users benefit from competitive pricing and rapid result delivery with hair follicle testing. This testing offers significant value for organizations of all sizes, ensuring that both cost-effectiveness and quick service are prioritized.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Westfield, NJ
In Westfield, NJ, hair follicle testing leads the way in delivering swift and precise results. Its high accuracy in detecting substances makes it an ideal choice, ensuring that various users obtain trustworthy outcomes. This method fundamentally changes how quickly and reliably substance use is identified.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Westfield, NJ
Implementing hair follicle testing in Westfield, NJ ensures that employers adhere to their drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, providing employers with the assurance they need to maintain a compliant and secure environment.
