Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The analysis of hair is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair holds a longitudinal record of substance use by encasing biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol intake history for a period extending up to three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, it's relatively tamper-proof, and it can be easily transported.
For optimal screening and verification, a sample from 1.5 inches of about 200 hair strands near the scalp, roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil, yields 100mg, which is the preferred amount. In cases that involve EtG, add-ons, or tests surpassing 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. Should scalp hair not be available, equivalent body hair can be used. When we reference head hair, we exclusively mean scalp hair, while body hair denotes all other types, including facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
There are four principal phases in the lab handling of a drug testing sample: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, a sample is first processed into the lab's system. This phase ensures the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary fast check for substances of abuse. While it is a cost-effective method to exclude drug use for most samples, any positive finding in Screening requires confirmation to be legally admissible. Presumptive positives must undergo further verification.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair from the original sample is allocated for Extraction. This process involves drawing out drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to methods like urine or oral fluid tests, making hair drug screening a notably challenging technique.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods verify any positive findings. Before verification, all presumptive positive samples are appropriately cleansed. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually focuses on the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the skin.
The superiority of hair follicle testing over urine testing in Crestview, FL is evident through several compelling advantages. Hair tests boast a longer detection window, increased accuracy, and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests provide a clearer picture of substance use history, making them a preferred choice among many stakeholders including employers and legal agencies.
The extended detection window provided by hair follicle testing in Crestview, FL is unmatched. With the ability to identify drug use up to 90 days prior, these tests offer employers deeper insights into a potential hire or current employee’s substance use history, helping ensure a trustworthy and safe working environment.
In Crestview, FL, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing is a crucial factor. This testing method greatly diminishes the chance of sample adulteration, thus providing results that are reliable and beyond dispute. The confidence in the integrity of these tests is why they are increasingly favored.
Enjoy the convenience of numerous testing centers across the nation, including locations in Crestview, FL. These strategically placed facilities provide easy access to testing services, allowing clients to experience fast and hassle-free service regardless of their geographical location.
In Crestview, FL, we guarantee a simple and confidential testing process. From ordering to testing and receiving results, our process is designed to be user-friendly and private, addressing any privacy concerns while ensuring accuracy and swift service delivery.
Offering affordable pricing and quick turnaround in Crestview, FL, our services are designed to deliver excellent value and peace of mind. Companies of all scales can benefit from our competitive pricing strategies and rapid result-generation, streamlining their operational needs efficiently.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Outcomes in Crestview, FL are pivotal when considering hair follicle drug tests. These assessments are acclaimed not only for their precision but also for their rapidity in delivering outcomes. The very high accuracy in detecting various substances makes hair follicle testing an indispensable tool for ensuring drug-free environments in numerous areas of life.
Achieving compliance and peace of mind for employers in Crestview, FL is streamlined through hair follicle testing. Utilizing this method ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, significantly lowering legal ramifications while also fostering a safer, more secure environment.
