Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-standing record of substance use, trapping biomarker evidence within the structure of the fiber. When samples are obtained near the scalp, hair offers an approximately three-month window to detect alcohol and drugs. Hair samples are straightforward to acquire, relatively challenging to alter, and easily transportable.
Collecting a 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hairs (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) directly from the scalp will yield the required 100mg, optimal for both screening and confirmation purposes. At least 150mg is advisable for EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels. Specimens should ideally be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. Here, "head hair" refers solely to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four principal stages in processing a drug test in the laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introductory stage for integrating a sample into the lab system. During this phase, it is verified whether the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is allocated, and all additional data entries not included by an electronic chain of custody system are completed.
Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. It serves as a cost-efficient strategy to eliminate drug usage in most samples; however, any positive screen must undergo confirmation to stand in court proceedings. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening need a secondary validation.
When a presumptive positive result occurs during Screening, additional hair from the original sample is utilized for Extraction. Drugs are extracted at significantly lower concentrations from hair in this phase than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), affirming hair drug screening as the most challenging technique.
Confirmation of any result positive in Screening is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirming, every presumptive positive sample goes through a necessary washing process. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted in line with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Challenges:
Note: Referred to as "hair follicle tests," this analysis examines the strand itself, not the follicle located beneath the scalp.
In Emerson, NJ, hair follicle testing excels over traditional urine tests. Hair tests provide superior detection accuracy and reliability.
Hair testing captures a longer history of substance use than urine tests.
Employers benefit from the broader detection window hair testing offers.
Emerson, NJ, embraces hair follicle testing for its extended detection period, up to 90 days.
This testing offers employers a full view of an individual's past substance use.
The extensive detection window is invaluable for maintaining workplace integrity.
In Emerson, NJ, hair tests significantly reduce sample tampering risk, ensuring honest results.
Hair follicle testing's design provides a secure and trustworthy method.
Employers trust hair testing's robust resistance to falsification.
Emerson, NJ, offers nationwide testing facilities for convenience and efficiency.
Local and national testing centers ensure simple access for all clients.
Clients experience ease with quick and hassle-free testing services.
In Emerson, NJ, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential.
Clients appreciate the privacy and ease of the testing experience.
The process is designed for user-friendliness, ensuring smooth results delivery.
Emerson, NJ, offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle tests.
Affordable pricing structures provide excellent value to companies.
Quick results bring peace of mind to employers of all sizes.
In Emerson, NJ, the speed and precision of hair follicle drug testing are unparalleled. Its high accuracy in tracing substance use ensures dependable results.
Hair tests offer rapid results, facilitating quick decision-making.
Employers appreciate the swift processing without sacrificing accuracy.
Employers in Emerson, NJ, find peace in hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free policies.
Adhering to such policies minimizes legal risks and bolsters workplace safety.
Hair testing enhances the overall integrity of employment screenings.
