Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fiber of the growing hair shaft. When sampled close to the scalp, it can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unobtainable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key phases in the laboratory processing of a drug test result comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step confirms the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage for most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to stand in court. Any samples with presumptive positive results from Screening necessitate secondary validation.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial batch and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations lower than in alternate methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), positioning hair drug testing as the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
While traditional urine tests are common, hair follicle testing in Altoona, FL, offers significant advantages. Its superior detection accuracy makes it a preferred option for many employers seeking reliable results.
The longer detection window of hair follicle tests gives a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use, offering a more thorough evaluation than urine tests.
Hair follicle tests in Altoona, FL, offer an extended detection window up to 90 days. This helps employers assess an applicant's or employee's substance history comprehensively.
Such extended detection provides a detailed understanding of patterns in substance use, assisting in making informed hiring decisions and maintaining a safe workplace.
Significantly reducing the risk of sample tampering, hair follicle tests in Altoona, FL, offer reliable results. The method's robustness guarantees accuracy and integrity.
This tamper-resistant approach to drug testing ensures results are unquestionable and trustworthy, establishing a drug-free workplace with confidence.
With convenient testing sites nationwide, including Altoona, FL, accessing hair follicle testing is quick and hassle-free. Our widespread locations simplify the process for employers and individuals alike.
This accessibility to testing services reduces downtime and ensures employees can fulfill testing requirements promptly and efficiently.
In Altoona, FL, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, designed to protect privacy while providing ease of access to test results.
From ordering to the reception of results, clients are assured of a smooth experience with a focus on safeguarding personal information throughout the process.
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Altoona, FL, make hair follicle testing both affordable and efficient for employers.
This cost-effective solution offers companies, regardless of size, the ability to conduct thorough drug testing without compromising on quality or timeliness of results.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing in Altoona, FL, are noteworthy. This method is highly accurate, reliably capturing substance use and providing fast results, ensuring workplace safety and compliance.
Results are processed quickly, offering an efficient way to maintain a drug-free environment in businesses, enhancing productivity and reducing liability.
Employers in Altoona, FL, gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free policies while minimizing legal risks.
This testing method enhances workplace safety by consistently enforcing substance abuse policies, creating a secure work environment for all employees.
