Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting alcohol and drug usage. Hair captures long-term evidence of substances by embedding biomarkers in the hair's structure as it grows. Collecting hair near the scalp can yield a detection period of up to three months for both drugs and alcohol. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, with minimal risk of tampering, and is convenient for shipping purposes.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides about 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for measuring the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other varieties (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of integrating a sample into a lab’s system, which includes ensuring the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. While cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most cases, a positive screening result needs confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptively positive samples require further confirmation.
For samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening, more hair is extracted and prepared for the Extraction phase. During this phase, substances are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than with other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging to execute.
Confirming any positive results from screening is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positivity are washed as necessary before confirmation. The full lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is subjected to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Central Volusia, FL marks a significant advantage in using hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy. By choosing hair analysis, one benefits from enhanced reliability and accuracy in identifying substance use. This method demonstrates its effectiveness by offering comprehensive detection possibilities far exceeding those of urine testing.
Hair follicle tests in Central Volusia, FL offer an extended window of detection, enabling employers to monitor substance usage over a prolonged period of up to 90 days. Such tests provide a robust view of an individual's substance history, giving a broader understanding of the applicant or employee’s drug use behavior.
Within Central Volusia, FL, hair follicle testing stands out as a tamper-resistant method for drug screening. The likelihood of sample adulteration is greatly minimized, ensuring that the results are reliable and indisputable. This testing method brings confidence and assurance in the validity of the screening process.
With convenient nationwide and local testing locations in Central Volusia, FL, accessing hair follicle testing services is hassle-free. Our numerous centers ensure quick and efficient entry to drug testing, enabling individuals and companies to meet their testing needs promptly and comfortably.
In Central Volusia, FL, undertaking a hair follicle test is a simple, confidential process. It addresses concerns regarding privacy and ease by offering a straightforward means to order, undergo testing, and receive results. Ensuring data security, this testing process adapts to modern privacy and confidentiality standards, mere quick access ensures minimal impact on the individual's routine.
Central Volusia, FL offers affordable pricing for hair follicle testing with rapid turnaround times. This value-centric approach guarantees companies of all sizes can access these services without financial hardship while receiving timely test results, enhancing budgetary efficiency and overall company assurance.
In Central Volusia, FL, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision of hair analysis in assessing drug use ensures that test outcomes are dependable. The detailed information obtained from hair samples offers high accuracy, making it an optimal choice for employers and individuals seeking certainty in substance testing.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Central Volusia, FL ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, offering peace of mind for employers. It helps mitigate legal risks while enhancing overall workplace safety, making it a sound choice for responsible company practices.