Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair preserves a longer record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers. Collected near the scalp, hair offers up to a three-month window to detect alcohol and other drugs. Easily collected, not easily tampered with, and straightforward to transport, hair is ideal for testing.
A sample of 1.5 inches containing approximately 200 hair strands (akin to the girth of a #2 pencil) from nearest the scalp yields about 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation procedures. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. 'Head hair' refers to scalp hair exclusively, while 'body hair' includes all other types (like facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test outcomes comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase involving sample entry into the lab's system, confirming it was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addressing any extra data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial drug abuse check. While cost-efficient, any positive results from Screening need confirmation to be legally valid. Presumptive positives from Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. Here, drug extraction from hair occurs at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most intricate to conduct.
To confirm any positive screening findings, techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are used. Samples indicating presumptive positives are washed as necessary before confirmation. The entire lab process extending from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed in compliance with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis occurs on the hair strand itself, not on the scalp's hair follicle
When comparing hair follicle tests to urine tests in Pinetta, FL, the advantages are clear. Hair tests offer a more extended detection window, providing insights into substance use over months rather than days like urine tests. This longer detection period makes hair follicle testing a more robust and effective option against traditional methods, ensuring more comprehensive screening and greater accuracy.
One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing in Pinetta, FL, is its extended detection window. Hair tests can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, offering employers a thorough overview of an individual’s substance use history. This long-term perspective aids in making informed decisions regarding the integrity and reliability of potential employees or ongoing status of current staff members.
In Pinetta, FL, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing provides unmatched reliability. The structure of hair samples makes them less vulnerable to adulteration compared to urine samples. This reduces the possibility of tampering, ensuring that the results received are genuine and trustworthy, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
Convenience of testing locations is crucial, and in Pinetta, FL, it’s easy to access drug testing services nationwide. Our widespread network of testing centers provides quick and efficient service, making it simple for individuals and businesses to conduct necessary screening without delay. This widespread availability ensures that geographic barriers are not an obstacle to effective drug testing processes.
In Pinetta, FL, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the process is designed with user privacy and ease of use in mind. Each step is straightforward, ensuring that clients feel confident and secure, knowing their personal information and results are handled discreetly and professionally.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround in Pinetta, FL, make hair follicle testing highly attractive. Our structured pricing models are cost-effective for businesses of all sizes, providing them with high-quality service without breaking the bank. Combined with swift result turnaround times, clients receive both excellent value and peace of mind efficiently and affordably.
In Pinetta, FL, hair follicle testing is renowned for its fast and precise results. The test offers impressive accuracy in detecting various substances, ensuring reliable data for both individuals and organizations. The speed with which results are delivered means less waiting time for critical decisions, making hair follicle testing a preferred option for those who demand precision and efficiency.
Employers in Pinetta, FL, can benefit from the compliance and peace of mind that hair follicle testing offers. By integrating hair tests into their drug-free workplace policies, organizations can better adhere to legal standards and uphold safety protocols, reducing potential legal ramifications and fostering a safer, more secure work environment for all employees.
