Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of approximately three months for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of around 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to have 150mg of hair. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable amount of body hair can be obtained. References to head hair mean specifically scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in processing a drug test result in a laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial processing of a sample into the lab’s system, entailing verification of proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any additional data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening serves as a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample in preparation for Extraction. In this stage, drug extraction from hair occurs at significantly lower concentrations compared to other testing methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening results is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples testing presumptive positive are washed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand, not the scalp’s hair follicle.
Hair follicle testing in Palm Bay, FL, supersedes urine tests due to its superior detection and reliability. While traditional urine tests may suffice for recent detection, the hair drug test covers a broader spectrum, capturing usage patterns over a more extended period.
The fundamental advantage of hair testing lies in its long-lasting accuracy and the difficulty in manipulating results, unlike urine tests. This reliability has proved invaluable to zero-tolerance employers and others demanding stringent monitoring.
The hair follicle test offers an extensive detection window, tracing back up to 90 days of drug usage. This enables employers in Palm Bay, FL to gain a comprehensive understanding of a person's substance consumption history, going beyond recent activities.
Employers benefit from a panoramic view of potential or current employees’ past substance use because of hair tests’ ability to offer a greater historical perspective. This facility significantly aids in making informed hiring and retention decisions.
Hair follicle testing is inherently tamper-resistant, drastically reducing the chances of adulteration as compared to other methods. In Palm Bay, FL, this reliability ensures unquestionable result integrity, making it ideal for settings demanding accurate substance use documentation.
Due to rigorous collection and processing protocols, hair tests uphold a high degree of sample integrity. This quality is pivotal where the veracity of results isn't just beneficial but a necessity, further establishing the method’s reputation in the industry.
With testing centers spread nationwide, services in Palm Bay, FL, ensure prompt and straightforward access to hair follicle testing. Our expansive network of locations offers convenience, streamlining the process for both individuals and businesses alike.
Local availability enhances the accessibility of our services in Palm Bay. Clients benefit from quick and hassle-free test scheduling, simplified through the broad reach of our testing centers nationwide, offering a smooth service experience.
The hair follicle testing process in Palm Bay, FL, is straightforward, prioritizing confidentiality at every stage. Ordering a test, providing samples, and obtaining results are handled with careful consideration for privacy, ensuring a seamless experience.
By maintaining discretion and ease of use, hair testing reduces client concerns about the integrity and confidentiality of results. Such assurances help reinforce trust in the testing provider and the results delivered.
Hair follicle testing in Palm Bay, FL, offers competitive pricing structures alongside fast turnaround, reflecting substantial value for employers and individuals. With affordability in mind, testing remains accessible without compromising quality.
Turnaround times are swift, ensuring companies receive timely, valuable information regarding substance use. This combination of cost-effectiveness and rapid processing enhances organizational decision-making processes.
The precision of hair follicle testing in Palm Bay, FL stands unrivaled. Results are not only reliable but also produced quickly, providing a high level of accuracy when noting substance use. Timely and trustworthy, these tests ensure that substance detection does not compromise on speed or accuracy.
Employers and individuals in Palm Bay can depend on the quick turnaround time of hair follicle tests. The confidence they offer through precise detections simplifies the interpretation of substance use history, enhancing faster decision-making.
For employers in Palm Bay, FL, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, fostering a secure working environment. The method presents an effective strategy for reducing legal liabilities associated with drug usage in professional settings.
Combining accuracy and reliability, hair testing provides peace of mind. This risk mitigation strategy, fortified by stringent drug testing practices, underscores employers' commitments to maintain a healthy, safe workplace.
