Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Malabar, FL

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly regarded as a valuable method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair offers an extensive historical record of substance use by embedding biomarkers in its strands as it grows. When samples are taken near the scalp, hair can provide a detection period of up to about three months for substances like alcohol and other drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of approximately 200 strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation processes. For tests analyzing EtG, add-ons, or panels exceeding ten, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It's recommended to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. In situations where scalp hair is not present, equivalent body hair may be used. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair. All other forms, such as facial or axillary, are categorized as body hair.

Process Overview

The drug testing laboratory procedures are categorized into these four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the preliminary handling of a sample upon entry into a laboratory. This phase ensures the sample was securely sealed and appropriately shipped, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and enters data as necessary, especially if not captured by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening is a preliminary evaluation for the presence of drugs. Though Screening is a cost-efficient approach for dismissing drug usage in most samples, a positive result in Screening requires confirmation to hold up in court. Any samples that test preliminary positive in Screening need a secondary confirmation step.

For samples testing positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction step. In this phase, drugs are separated from hair at lower concentrations than other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening a more challenging methodology to execute.

Confirmation testing on any positive results from Screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples testing preliminary positive are cleansed as necessary. From Accessioning through Confirmation, the complete laboratory procedure is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accredited according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests recognize drug usage for up to three months, surpassing the shorter window of urine tests.
• Difficulty to cheat: Hair drug testing poses significant challenges for tampering, ensuring more reliable outcomes.
• Provides historical data: It reveals a drug use pattern over extended periods, as opposed to recent usage alone.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs generally take around five to seven days before they appear in the hair.
• Cost: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Variations in results: Aspects such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can impact drug metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: Frequently termed "hair follicle tests," these tests actually assess the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why does hair follicle testing outshine urine tests in Malabar, FL? Key advantages include superior detection accuracy and reliability, with a longer detection window and minimal risk of evasion compared to conventional urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Malabar, FL are favoring hair follicle testing due to its ability to identify drug use over a three-month span. This provides a thorough view of a candidate or employee's substance use history, aiding better hiring decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Malabar, FL is renowned for its tamper-resistant nature. This method significantly reduces sample adulteration risks, offering dependable and indisputable test outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our nationwide centers, including those in Malabar, FL, provide convenient, hassle-free access to testing services. Quick and easy access reduces stress and ensures timely results.

Simple, Confidential Process

The drug testing process in Malabar, FL is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering a test to receiving results, privacy and user convenience are assured.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

With competitive pricing and speedy processing times in Malabar, FL, our services offer excellent value. We cater to businesses of all sizes, ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Malabar, FL offers fast and precise drug testing services via hair follicle analyses, known for their exceptional accuracy. Unlike traditional methods, these tests deliver results swiftly and with unmatched precision, expertly identifying substance use.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Malabar, FL, utilizing hair follicle drug testing ensures employers comply with drug-free workplace policies. This reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, providing peace of mind.

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