Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures biomarkers in its strands, offering a long-term record of substance use. When cut near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use over a period of up to three months. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and transport is uncomplicated.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields approximately 100mg, ideal for evaluation and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is preferred. It is advisable to measure the hair on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unattainable, the relevant quantity of body hair may be obtained. "Head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other varieties (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for drug test processing comprises four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the sample's initial integration into the lab's system, which includes ensuring the sample's secure sealing and shipment, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finalizing any supplementary data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an initial rapid check for substance misuse. Although cost-effective for excluding substance use in most samples, a positive outcome from Screening must be substantiated for legal admissibility. Samples yielding presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate a confirmatory step.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. Here, substances are drawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in methods such as urine or oral fluid analysis, marking hair drug testing as a highly intricate process.
Confirmation of positive Screening results is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo washing before proceeding to confirmation as needed. The complete lab operation from Accessioning to Confirmation complies with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the evaluation examines the actual hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Valkaria, FL: Hair testing provides a more detailed detection window compared to standard urine tests, proving superior in terms of accuracy and reliability. While urine tests may only trace recent drug use, hair follicle testing uncovers substance patterns over longer periods, ensuring a thorough evaluation of an individual's history.
Extended Detection Window in Valkaria, FL: Hair follicle testing stands out with its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This broad detection capability offers employers a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history, making it an invaluable tool for assessing applicants and current employees in Valkaria, FL.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Valkaria, FL: One of the most significant benefits of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering. Unlike other methods, it significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration. This ensures that the results are reliable and question-free, offering assurance to employers that the data they receive is authentic.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Valkaria, FL: With numerous testing centers spread nationwide, including Valkaria, FL, access to hair follicle testing is both quick and seamless. This extensive network ensures hassle-free services, catering to the needs of clients efficiently and effectively.
Simple, Confidential Process in Valkaria, FL: The hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and private. From ordering to taking the test, and obtaining results, the steps are streamlined to ensure confidentiality and ease of use, addressing any privacy concerns clients may have in Valkaria, FL.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Valkaria, FL: Offering competitive pricing and quick result delivery, hair follicle testing provides excellent value for businesses of any size. This balance of affordability and speed ensures that companies can make informed decisions without exceeding their budget constraints.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Valkaria, FL: Hair follicle drug tests in Valkaria, FL, offer unparalleled speed and precision in detecting substance use. The meticulous process ensures high accuracy, giving stakeholders confidence in the results. The test is designed to efficiently provide detailed insights into an individual's drug use patterns, making it a superior choice over other traditional methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Valkaria, FL: Employing hair follicle testing safeguards companies against legal issues by ensuring compliance with drug-free policies. This practice not only enhances workplace safety but also provides peace of mind to employers, knowing they are reducing potential liabilities through thorough and compliant testing methods.
