Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for investigating substance use, maintaining a timeline of alcohol and drugs through the encapsulation of biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. By sampling hair close to the scalp, it can reflect drug and alcohol activity for up to around three months. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample consisting of a 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG tests, additional panels, or more than 10-panel tests, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It’s preferred to measure the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is not accessible, an equal measure of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we exclusively mean scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures for processing a drug test sample include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Verification.
Accessioning comprises the initial preparation of a sample within a laboratory’s system. Tasks in this step include confirming the sample was securely sealed and correctly sent, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any supplementary data input not managed by an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening entails a basic, rapid review for drug abuse signs. Although Screening effectively excludes drug use in a vast number of samples, a positive result from the screen must be authenticated to be legally acceptable. Any samples that show a provisional positive during Screening necessitate another validation.
If a sample registers a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at a much lower intensity than with other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluids), establishing hair drug screening as the most intricate method to execute.
Validation of any Screen-positive result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a tentative positive finding are cleansed before validation as required. Every step from Accessioning to Validation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair regulations and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often referred to as "hair follicle tests", this test actually examines the strand of hair, not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fort Meade, FL
In comparison to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers substantial benefits, showcasing superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing excels with a prolonged detection window and thorough analysis, ensuring comprehensive results, unlike urine tests which might miss substantial information due to their shorter detection period.
Extended Detection Window in Fort Meade, FL
Hair follicle testing captures a longer history of substance use, up to 90 days, providing a broad perspective on an individual’s drug habits. This extensive detection period offers employers a complete view of an applicant or employee's substance use, ensuring informed hiring and employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fort Meade, FL
Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the chance of sample tampering, ensuring that results are trustworthy without the risk of deception. This robust testing method ensures that the outcomes are dependable, giving confidence in the testing process and the accuracy of the results obtained.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fort Meade, FL
Our extensive network of testing centers provides convenience, with nationwide accessibility ensuring easy reach to our services. In Fort Meade, FL, our local facilities are readily available, offering a hassle-free and smooth testing experience for individuals and businesses alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fort Meade, FL
The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is made straightforward and secure. Confidentiality is ensured at each step, addressing any privacy concerns while maintaining user-friendliness, making the testing journey stress-free.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fort Meade, FL
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times offer exceptional value, accommodating businesses of various sizes. The efficient delivery of results combined with cost-effective testing solutions makes it a preferred choice for companies seeking economic and reliable testing options.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fort Meade, FL
Hair follicle drug tests provide incredibly precise results, highlighting their superior accuracy in identifying substance use. The speed and efficiency of hair analysis mean you receive the information needed swiftly, ensuring timely decision-making. When seeking reliable outcomes, hair testing stands out as a formidable option for any testing needs in Fort Meade.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fort Meade, FL
By utilizing hair follicle testing, employers can maintain adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal issues and boosting safety at work. This method provides peace of mind, enhancing a secure working environment while meeting all compliance requirements seamlessly.
