Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Over time, hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the developing hair. Hair proximal to the scalp can indicate usage of alcohol and drugs up to a roughly 3-month period. It's easy to procure hair, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
An ideal screening and confirmation sample consists of a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (akin to a #2 pencil) near the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair. For EtG, additional tests, or screenings exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. We advocate using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory's analysis of drug test outcomes encompasses four principal phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the sample's preliminary integration into the laboratory’s framework. This phase ensures the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputs any missing data not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides an initial assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive result must be validated for legal acceptability. All preliminarily positive samples during Screening warrant follow-up confirmation.
In instances where Screening indicates potential positivity, additional hair from the initial sample undergoes preparation for Extraction. At this stage, substances are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexities of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives are washed ahead of confirmation as needed. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair label and in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis focuses on the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Falmouth, FL, hair follicle testing demonstrates a clear edge over traditional urine tests. The precision and reliability of hair testing surpass those of urine testing by providing a more thorough substance use history, extending detection periods significantly. Employers and legal bodies trust hair analysis for its unmatched accuracy and zero-tolerance policy compatibility.
Hair follicle testing in Falmouth, FL, provides an extensive detection period that is invaluable for screening. By offering a detection window of up to 90 days, employers gain a comprehensive view of a candidate's substance use history, aiding in informed decision-making and ensuring workplace safety standards are upheld.
In Falmouth, FL, hair follicle testing is a preferred method due to its tamper-resistant nature. The reliability of this method reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring those conducting screenings can trust the results. This provides unquestionable assurance of submitted test sample integrity.
In Falmouth, FL, the convenience of both nationwide and local testing centers allows for seamless access to hair follicle testing services. Our centers provide quick and hassle-free testing options, ensuring that individuals and businesses can easily obtain the testing they need when they need it.
In Falmouth, FL, our hair follicle testing process prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. The straightforward procedure ensures that privacy concerns are addressed efficiently, making the ordering, testing, and results retrieval process both secure and user-friendly for all participants involved.
Our services in Falmouth, FL, combine affordable pricing with fast turnaround times, offering excellent value for businesses regardless of size. With competitive pricing structures and swift results, we ensure that all clients receive cost-effective and efficient solutions for their testing needs.
In Falmouth, FL, hair follicle testing is renowned for its fast, precise results. The testing process is designed to ensure timely and accurate results, critical for both employers and individuals seeking reliable substance detection. This efficiency helps to streamline the testing process, providing peace of mind and efficient decision-making.
For Falmouth, FL employers, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, providing peace of mind and reducing legal risks. This compliance enhances safety and employee well-being by ensuring that workplace standards are met, boosting overall productivity and satisfaction in the work environment.
