Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has increasingly been regarded as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug ingestion by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal up to around a 3-month usage history for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easily transported.
A 1.5-inch hair sample comprising roughly 200 strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It's best to weigh the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a similar amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair refers to all other hair types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process of laboratory analysis for a drug test result consists of four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial reception and processing of a sample into the laboratory's system. This entails ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any extra data that the electronic chain of custody system did not provide.
Screening involves an initial rapid assay for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in court. Any samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive in the Screening step, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other testing methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methods to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screen is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo necessary washing prior to confirmation. The complete laboratory processing from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test actually analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing with urine testing in De Land, FL, significant advantages emerge. The hair test is superior in detecting drug usage over an extended period. Employers favor it for its high reliability and difficulty to deceive, unlike traditional urine tests. Hair tests grant a broader detection window, showcasing a clearer view of potential substance concerns.
In De Land, FL, the benefit of extended detection with hair follicle testing is profound. Hair tests can reveal drug use up to 90 days prior, offering employers a comprehensive history of an individual's substance use. This wide detection span allows employers to make informed decisions about prospective employees or current staff.
In De Land, FL, hair follicle testing presents a robust shield against sample tampering. This method dramatically reduces alteration risks, providing results that are nearly impossible to contest. The inherent resistance to interference ensures that outcomes are both authentic and credible, solidifying trust in their legitimacy.
Convenience is key in De Land, FL, with the widespread availability of testing centers. Nationwide and locally, these facilities empower individuals and companies with quick and hassle-free access to drug testing services. The strategic location of centers ensures that tests are accessible and efficient, improving the overall testing experience.
In De Land, FL, the hair follicle testing process prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to collecting and reviewing the results, the entire procedure is transparent, ensuring privacy is respected. Individuals can engage with testing services confidently, knowing their personal data remains secure.
In De Land, FL, hair follicle testing offers affordable and swift solutions. Competitive pricing combined with rapid result delivery presents excellent benefits for businesses. Regardless of size, companies gain valued insights with favorable turnaround times, maximally balancing cost and effectiveness.
In De Land, FL, hair follicle drug testing stands out due to its precision in identifying substance use. Fast and precise, these tests offer unparalleled accuracy compared to other methods. The ability to rapidly deliver clear results ensures that organizations receive reliable information swiftly, making hair follicle testing an essential part of modern substance use assessments.
Employing hair follicle testing in De Land, FL, adds a layer of compliance and peace for employers. This method supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, diminishing legal issues. It not only promotes safety but also fortifies company protocols, ensuring that employees partake in maintaining a created safe working environment.
