Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations have emerged as a robust method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a protracted history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use over a span of up to three months. Its collection is straightforward, it’s relatively resistant to tampering, and it’s simple to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 strands—approximately equal to the size of a #2 pencil—from the scalp area, provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or testing exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is preferable. Using a jeweler’s scale is advisable for measuring the specimen. If scalp hair is not an option, an equal volume of body hair could be used instead. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. All other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.) are categorized under body hair.
Process Overview
The key steps in the laboratory assessment of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves introducing a sample to a lab’s system. This phase ensures proper sealing and transportation of the sample, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any pending data entry that isn't fulfilled by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. It’s a cost-efficient means to rule out substance abuse in most cases, but a screened positive must be validated for court validity. Presumptive positives from Screening demand additional confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are isolated from hair in much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), marking hair drug screening as the most challenging technique.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples testing presumptive positive are cleansed as necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair strand, not the scalp-embedded follicle.
Compared to traditional urine testing, hair follicle tests in Utopia, FL, offer superior benefits. Hair testing boasts greater detection accuracy and reliability, easily surpassing the capabilities of urine tests. Employers and organizations prefer hair analysis due to its extended detection window and robustness, ensuring a more thorough evaluation of substance use.
The advantage of hair follicle testing in Utopia, FL, lies in its extended detection window, tracking drug use for up to 90 days. This extended period provides employers with an inclusive overview of an individual's substance history, ensuring informed decisions are made during recruitment or ongoing employment evaluations.
One of the main strengths of hair follicle tests in Utopia, FL, is their tamper-resistant nature. These tests minimize the possibilities of sample interference, delivering results that are both reliable and verified. The method provides a significant edge in ensuring the credibility of the testing process.
In Utopia, FL, our widespread testing centers ensure convenient access to hair follicle testing services. Nation-wide locations offer a simple and efficient process, minimizing potential hassles and ensuring that individuals and businesses can access testing services quickly and without stress.
Simple and confidential—two fundamental aspects of our hair follicle testing service in Utopia, FL. From ordering and taking the test to receiving results, every step is designed with privacy and ease of use in mind. Customers can trust the process, secure in the knowledge that their information is handled discreetly and efficiently.
We emphasize affordable pricing coupled with swift turnaround times in Utopia, FL, offering value to businesses of all sizes. Our competitive pricing structure ensures clients receive excellent service without financial strain, guaranteeing both prompt results and peace of mind for our customers.
In Utopia, FL, hair follicle drug tests are known for delivering swift and dependable results. Hair testing stands out in its precision and rapid return of outcomes, making it a trusted choice for detecting substance use with high accuracy. The rigorous methodology ensures that both speed and reliability are priorities, providing clear benefits over other testing methods.
Utilization of hair follicle testing in Utopia, FL, brings peace of mind and compliance for employers. By aligning with workplace drug-free policies, businesses can lower legal risks and enhance safety. This testing method acts as a preventive measure, fostering a healthier and more compliant work environment.