Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now considered an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. As hair captures biomarkers within its growing strands, it offers a prolonged history of substance use. By sampling hair close to the scalp, it’s possible to detect alcohol and drugs for a period of up to three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for preliminary tests and confirmations. For more extensive panels such as EtG or tests exceeding 10 panels, collecting 150mg is advised. We suggest weighing the hair sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types, like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The key steps in the lab processing of drug test results are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning phase integrates the sample into the lab's tracking system by ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry not already handled by electronic systems.
The Screening phase is a preliminary evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening efficiently eliminates non-positive samples, to be valid in legal contexts, a positive result requires confirmation. Any samples that show a presumptive positive result in Screening mandate further confirmation.
Should a sample yield a positive indication at Screening, more hair is extracted from the primary specimen for further Extraction. Here, substances are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than those in urine or saliva tests, underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of positive results is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples indicating presumptive positivity undergo washing before Confirmation. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Anna Maria, FL surpasses traditional urine testing thanks to unparalleled detection accuracy and consistent reliability. Expect improved detection of past substance use, making it the preferred choice of employers and organizations.
With a detection window extending up to 90 days, hair follicle tests in Anna Maria, FL offer employers a comprehensive view of a candidate's substance usage history. This breadth allows for more informed hiring or employment decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Anna Maria, FL provide a tamper-resistant method of drug screening. By minimizing the risk of sample tampering, these tests ensure reliable and definitive outcomes, granting peace of mind with their integrity.
In Anna Maria, FL, our convenient testing centers spread nationwide provide an effortless and stress-free drug testing experience. The ease of access ensures efficient testing services without unnecessary delays.
In Anna Maria, FL, the process of ordering and undertaking a hair follicle test is both simple and confidential. Our system emphasizes privacy, ensuring a respectful and seamless experience from start to finish.
Offering competitive pricing and fast service in Anna Maria, FL, our hair follicle drug tests deliver great value for companies of all sizes. Expect quick turnarounds, ensuring cost-effectiveness alongside top-tier service.
In Anna Maria, FL, hair follicle drug tests are known for their speed and accuracy. Their capability to reliably identify substance usage makes them an excellent option for ensuring quick and precise results. Due to their high sensitivity, they effectively spotlight even small traces of drug use.
Employers in Anna Maria, FL gain peace of mind through hair follicle tests, which ensure adherence to drug-free policies. These tests help reduce legal liabilities while enhancing safety in the workplace.
