Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged overview of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When retrieved near the scalp, hair can reveal up to an approximately 3-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. The collection of hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to send.
An ideal sample for testing and verification consists of a 1.5-inch section with roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the dimension of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, which provides 100mg of hair. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not an option, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair comprises all other body hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process of acquiring a drug test outcome includes four fundamental steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the primary processing of a specimen into a lab's system. This procedure checks if the sample was sealed and sent correctly, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputs any extra data not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of concern. Although Screening is cost-efficient for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive Screening must be verified for court use. Any samples indicated as positive during Screening need a confirmatory test.
If a sample indicates positive at the Screening level, more hair is extracted from the initial collection for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower levels than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing exceptionally challenging.
Verification of any positive Screening results is accomplished utilizing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Lower Grand Lagoon, FL, hair follicle testing provides benefits superior to traditional urine tests. While urine tests are common, hair tests offer unmatched accuracy and reliability. The detection accuracy is superior, ensuring that even low-level substance use is identified over extended periods, making it a preferred choice for comprehensive drug screening.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, revealing substance use patterns stretching back as far as 90 days. This capability gives employers in Lower Grand Lagoon, FL a more extensive overview of an individual's drug use history, greatly enhancing decision-making in employment processes.
In Lower Grand Lagoon, FL, hair follicle testing stands as a highly secure approach due to its tamper-resistant properties. Unlike urine tests, which are susceptible to adulteration, hair tests provide results that are reliable and practically tamper-proof, reassuring both employers and individuals of their authenticity.
In Lower Grand Lagoon, FL, accessing drug testing services is convenient thanks to our nationwide network of testing centers. Our presence ensures that wherever you are, quick and hassle-free testing services are available, providing peace of mind and ease of access for all testing needs.
The process in Lower Grand Lagoon, FL for hair follicle drug testing is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, each step respects privacy concerns, ensuring ease of use and maintaining discretion throughout the entire procedure.
Our hair follicle drug testing in Lower Grand Lagoon, FL is competitively priced, offering fast turnaround times that provide exceptional value. Companies of all sizes benefit from our efficient pricing structures, ensuring excellent value while maintaining peace of mind with our quick and dependable service delivery.
The strength of hair follicle drug tests lies in their precision and swiftness. They are designed to swiftly deliver accurate outcomes, ensuring detection of substance use with high accuracy.
In Lower Grand Lagoon, FL, these tests are synonymous with reliability, ensuring any potential substance misuse is quickly identified, aiding prompt decision-making.
Employers in Lower Grand Lagoon, FL find peace of mind through hair follicle testing due to its strong compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method not only upholds safety but also mitigates legal risks, ensuring adherence to policies and fostering a secure working environment.