Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair retains a prolonged history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair allows for a detection timeline of up to nearly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively tough to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair may be gathered. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair only, while "body hair" includes all other types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory process consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a lab’s system. This step verifies the sample’s secure sealing and proper shipment, generates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles any additional data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides an initial check for substances of abuse. While it is an efficient means of ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Any samples preliminarily positive during screening require a subsequent confirmation.
Should a screening indicate a positive result, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation of positive screening results is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Each presumptively positive sample undergoes washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Westgate, FL, hair follicle testing demonstrates superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. Unlike urine tests, which may miss recent drug use, hair tests provide a comprehensive substance use profile. Their longer detection window and less invasive collection process make hair follicle tests a more reliable option for accurate and consistent results, supporting stringent workplace policies effectively.
With an extended detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Westgate, FL offers employers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history. This broad timeframe provides insights into an applicant or employee's long-term habits, making it easier for employers to make informed decisions. Unlike urine tests, which have a much shorter detection period, hair tests offer a thorough overview of drug use.
Hair follicle testing in Westgate, FL is an effective deterrent against tampering, reducing the possibility of sample adulteration. The method ensures reliable and unquestionable results, thanks to its collected-in-observed-conditions nature. This integrity ensures employers and relevant authorities receive accurate information about substance use status, thereby enhancing trust in the testing outcome.
In Westgate, FL, enjoy the convenience of nationwide testing centers, including local facilities, for all your drug testing needs. Our extensive network ensures access to hassle-free, quick testing services. With many locations available, individuals and organizations can easily schedule and conduct tests, minimizing travel and waiting times to ensure an efficient testing experience.
In Westgate, FL, the process of hair follicle drug testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving results, the smooth process addresses privacy concerns efficiently. This ease of use, paired with the confidentiality of results, ensures a stress-free experience for all involved, encouraging adherence to drug testing protocols.
Our hair follicle testing services in Westgate, FL stand out for their affordability and fast turnaround. Competitive pricing ensures excellent value for businesses of all sizes, while quick result times offer peace of mind. By choosing our services, companies benefit from efficient, cost-effective testing processes that align with their budgetary and operational needs.
Hair follicle drug testing in Westgate, FL offers fast, accurate, and reliable detection of substance use. These tests stand out in precision, ensuring high dependability in results. The method's ability to detect traces of drugs rapidly makes it an invaluable tool for employers and individuals seeking quick confirmation of drug-free status. Emphasizing its accuracy, hair follicle testing guarantees trustworthy outcomes unmatched by other methods.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Westgate, FL offers employers compliance with workplace drug-free policies, significantly lowering legal risks. The method boosts workplace safety by ensuring employees adhere to these guidelines. Peace of mind is achieved as organizations confidently monitor and uphold their drug policies, fostering a secure and productive work environment.
