Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly valued as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive historical record of substances like alcohol and drugs, as biomarkers are ensnared within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When the hair is gathered near the scalp, it offers an observation window of up to roughly 90 days for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields around 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample for assessment and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair may be obtained. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair denotes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test follows four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary processing of a specimen into a laboratory's framework. This stage ensures that the sample was properly sealed and transported, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes an initial rapid scan for drug abuse substances. While Screening offers an economical approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, any positive results must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
If a specimen tests positive during the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations in comparison to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging technique to conduct.
Confirmatory testing for any positive Screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are subject to washing prior to Confirmation as deemed necessary. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Tinton Falls, NJ
Hair follicle testing trumps traditional urine tests by providing superior detection accuracy and reliability. In Tinton Falls, NJ, the comprehensive results achieved through hair analysis offer a clear advantage, ensuring a more precise and dependable assessment of drug use.
Extended Detection Window in Tinton Falls, NJ
One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. In Tinton Falls, NJ, it offers a thorough assessment of an individual's substance history over the past 90 days, providing employers with an in-depth view of any substance use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Tinton Falls, NJ
The hair follicle testing method is significantly resistant to tampering, ensuring trustworthy and unchallengeable results. In Tinton Falls, NJ, this testing method reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration, enhancing its credibility over traditional testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Tinton Falls, NJ
With an extensive network of testing centers, both nationwide and locally in Tinton Falls, NJ, our services offer a convenient and effortless testing experience, allowing individuals and employers quick access to testing services without hassle.
Simple, Confidential Process in Tinton Falls, NJ
Our hair follicle testing in Tinton Falls, NJ, boasts a straightforward and confidential process, making it easy to order, administer, and receive results. This assures privacy and simplicity, catering to the needs of concerned individuals and employers.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Tinton Falls, NJ
Competitive pricing and rapid turnaround make our hair follicle testing services in Tinton Falls, NJ, a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes, ensuring excellent value and swift delivery of results to suit varied organizational needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Tinton Falls, NJ
Hair follicle drug tests offer a remarkable combination of speed and accuracy, delivering swift and dependable results. In Tinton Falls, NJ, this testing method is particularly appreciated for its high precision in substance detection, making it the preferred choice for accurate substance use evaluation.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Tinton Falls, NJ
Employers in Tinton Falls, NJ, can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This helps in minimizing legal risks and elevating workplace safety, providing peace of mind and regulatory adherence for organizations.
