Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination is recognized as an effective means for identifying substance use, including drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a long-term record of substances by trapping chemical markers in the strands as they grow. Obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use up to roughly three months back. It is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
An optimal sample comprises a 1.5-inch length of around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, equaling 100mg, ideal for testing and validation. For tests like EtG or those exceeding ten panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair is unobtainable, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. Note, “head hair†specifically pertains to scalp hair, whereas “body hair†includes all other types (e.g., facial, underarm).
Process Overview
Drug test analysis in the lab involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial sample processing stage, integrating it into the lab's system. This includes checking the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data not captured by an electronic tracking system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid test for substance misuse. It is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples; however, a positive screening must be verified for legal validity. Samples suspected to be positive in Screening require further confirmation.
When a sample shows a potential positive in Screening, additional hair from the original sample is prepared for Extraction. Drugs are extracted at much lower levels in this method than in others (e.g., urine or saliva), which is why hair tests are the most challenging to execute.
Using methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS, Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is performed. Essential washing occurs before confirmation on all presumptive positive samples. From Accessioning through Confirmation, the entire laboratory process undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually evaluates the hair shaft, not the scalp-embedded hair follicle
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Tests
In Archer, FL, the advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests are evident, offering more precise detection and reliability. Hair tests cover a longer history of substance use, uncovering patterns undetectable by urine tests. This results in a broader and more reliable assessment, elevating the trust in results from hair-based screenings for both employers and agencies.
Extended Detection Window
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Archer, FL, grants the advantage of revealing drug use over a significantly prolonged period, up to 90 days. This expansive detection range offers employers a thorough understanding of an individual’s drug use history, beyond what short-term methods like urine testing can deliver. Thus, the tests support informed employment and compliance decisions with greater context.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle testing in Archer, FL, is inherently resistant to tampering, drastically reducing sample adulteration risks. The integrity of the samples remains uncompromised given the difficulty in altering hair samples compared to urine. This method ensures that results are both trustworthy and definitive, strengthening confidence for employers relying on the accuracy and authenticity of the results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
In Archer, FL, wanting a quick and smooth hair follicle drug test is manageable due to our widespread testing centers. These easily accessible locations across the nation simplify the whole process, allowing individuals easy access to testing services without the headaches of long travel or extended scheduling, ensuring convenience and efficiency.
Simple, Confidential Process
The procedure for obtaining hair follicle test results in Archer, FL, is straightforward and maintains confidentiality throughout. From requesting the test to receiving results, each step respects privacy, removing any concerns of data mishandling. This clear process enhances user confidence in the security and ease of these critical testing services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Our hair follicle testing in Archer, FL, promotes commendable value, thanks to competitive pricing and quick result delivery. With affordable costs and swift processing times, companies can rely on these tests for effective resource management and timely decision-making, ensuring budget-friendly solutions without sacrificing result quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
Hair follicle drug tests in Archer, FL, offer unmatched precision and rapid results. With superior accuracy in detecting substances, hair testing efficiently provides results that stakeholders can count on. Their ability to detect a wide range of substances quickly makes them an essential tool for effective and reliable evaluation, surpassing other testing methods in both performance and trustworthiness.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Hair follicle testing in Archer, FL, supports employers in upholding drug-free workplace policies. By employing this method, companies minimize legal problems and bolster workplace safety. The full compliance with industry regulations ensures peace of mind for employers, allowing them to focus on maintaining a secure and efficient work environment while mitigating associated risks.
