Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations have gained recognition as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a long-term record of substances like alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, it can yield a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair retrieval is straightforward, comparatively resistant to tampering, and uncomplicated to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising about 200 hair strands (approximately equivalent to the girth of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or evaluations over 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. It is suggested to measure the sample on a jeweler’s balance. If hair on the scalp cannot be obtained, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair exclusively indicate scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This stage includes verifying proper sealing and transport of the sample, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing additional data input not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid evaluation for substance use. While Screening economically disqualifies drug usage in most samples, confirmations are essential for court admissibility. Any samples with presumed positive outcomes in Screening necessitate secondary validation.
In cases of presumptive positive results during the Screening phase, more hair is retrieved from the original sample and arranged for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Any positively screened results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All provisionally positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation receives inspection under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When compared with traditional urine testing, hair follicle testing in Pasco, FL, provides superior detection capabilities. While urine tests may suffice for short-term drug use detection, hair analysis covers a wider time frame of up to 90 days. This expanded window makes hair testing ideal for zero-tolerance policies.
Employers can rely on it for long-term substance history, reducing the chances of incomplete analysis.
Detection accuracy is another area where hair testing excels.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its extended detection period, an advantageous aspect for those in Pasco, FL. Spanning up to 90 days, this test enables employers to observe a prospective or current employee's drug history comprehensively.
The broad timeline paints a clearer picture, helping decision-makers ensure workplace safety and policy adherence effectively.
This prolonged detection ability means:
Hair follicle testing in Pasco, FL, is renowned for its tamper-resistant nature. The collection method significantly diminishes the risk of sample adulteration when compared to other forms of testing. The process is highly secure:
The stringent control measures in hair testing offer peace of mind to employers and other entities needing genuine assessments. Confidence in the results means better policy compliance and fewer disputes over test integrity.
The convenience of conducting hair follicle testing in Pasco, FL, is elevated by our extensive network of nationwide testing centers. Participants benefit from easy access to these services, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Whether in Pasco or beyond, our centers are strategically located to accommodate all testing needs promptly.
Our testing locations offer:
At our Pasco, FL facilities, the procedure for hair follicle testing is not only simple but also confidential, ensuring participant privacy. The straightforward process from ordering to receiving results is designed to prioritize user ease and discretion, addressing any concerns about data handling and participant anonymity.
The seamless process involves:
In Pasco, FL, our hair follicle testing services boast competitive pricing without compromising quality. Designed to cater to organizations of any size, our cost-effective solutions come equipped with fast turnaround times that provide excellent value, crucial for timely employment and policy decisions.
Key benefits include:
The efficiency of hair follicle drug testing in Pasco, FL, is underscored by its rapid results. Hair analysis offers unmatched precision in unveiling a history of substance use. Its high reliability ensures that employers and individuals receive accurate data quickly, aiding in prompt decision-making. The swiftness of these tests does not compromise their integrity, providing results that stakeholders can trust.
Besides being accurate, the hair follicle test process is streamlined for rapid execution.
Employers in Pasco, FL, find solace in hair follicle tests ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Adopting these tests can diminish potential legal challenges and foster safer work environments. The integrity of hair testing aligns with organizational goals and regulations, giving employers peace of mind.
Implementing hair testing practices means:
