Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term history of substances by preserving biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair can provide up to roughly a 3-month detection window for substances and alcohol. Hair is easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch snippet of around 200 hair strands (similar to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for examination and validation. For EtG, extra assessments, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler's balance. If scalp hair is unobtainable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. In the context of head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab's framework. This encompasses ensuring that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, allotting a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening denotes a preliminary rapid examination for substance misuse. While Screening is an economical way to exclude substance usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified for court acceptance. Any samples showing a preliminary positive in Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample display a preliminary positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, substances are drawn out from hair at a substantially lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), explaining why hair drug examination is the most complex method to execute.
Verification of any positive Screening result is undertaken using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All preliminary positive samples undergo cleansing before confirmation if required. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Verification is audited 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: Though frequently described as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Norfleet, FL
Hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine tests in both detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests can detect substance use within a shorter window, hair tests offer a more extended insight into history, making them ideal for comprehensive drug use analysis. The reliability of hair testing makes it less prone to errors compared to its urine counterparts.
Extended Detection Window in Norfleet, FL
One of the main advantages of hair follicle testing is its prolonged detection window, which can cover up to 90 days of substance history. This broad range is beneficial for employers wishing to understand an individual’s long-term drug use behavior, offering a detailed overview beyond the limited scope of shorter testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Norfleet, FL
Hair follicle tests boast a robust resistance to tampering, significantly reducing the chances of sample adulteration. This security ensures that the results are both reliable and undeniable, providing peace of mind to those who require certainty in their testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Norfleet, FL
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including those in Norfleet, FL, facilitates seamless access to services. This widespread availability ensures that individuals can undertake necessary tests without hassle, thereby enhancing service accessibility and convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Norfleet, FL
Our streamlined process for ordering, conducting, and receiving test results is designed with user confidentiality in mind. This approach prioritizes privacy, guaranteeing that sensitive information remains secure while offering a straightforward user experience from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Norfleet, FL
We offer competitive pricing structures coupled with fast turnaround times, making hair follicle testing an economical choice for businesses of any size. By providing excellent value, we ensure that companies can budget effectively while enjoying efficient service delivery.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Norfleet, FL
Hair follicle drug tests provide swift and precise outcomes, essential for making informed decisions. Their high accuracy rate makes them a preferred choice for detecting substance use. Thanks to technological advancements, these tests offer a fast turnaround, enabling stakeholders to respond rapidly to the results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Norfleet, FL
With hair follicle testing, employers can ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, which diminishes legal concerns and bolsters workplace safety. Employers gain reassurance from their ability to implement zero-tolerance policies and maintain a safe environment for all employees through consistent testing practices.
