Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for detecting substance use, offering an extended retrospective view of alcohol and drug consumption by capturing biomarkers within the hair fibers as they grow. When sampled near the scalp, hair can indicate drug and alcohol use over a period of up to three months. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional testing, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler's scale to determine specimen weight is suggested. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab processing of a drug-testing sample are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves integrating a sample into the lab's system. This step confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completes any remaining data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient way to eliminate drug usage for most samples, any positive results obtained through Screening must be substantiated for legal admissibility. Samples with presumptive positive results from Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, extra hair from the original sample is extracted for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are isolated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive results from Screening undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS, with all samples preliminarily positive being washed as required before confirmation. The entire procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is focused on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Balm, FL, hair follicle testing offers significant benefits over urine tests. Unlike traditional urine testing, hair analysis provides superior detection accuracy.
Employers and legal systems favor hair tests for their ability to accurately reflect an individual's substance use history.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Balm, FL is its extended detection window. Unlike urine tests, it can trace drug use for up to 90 days.
This allows for a detailed assessment of an individual's drug use over an extended period.
Hair follicle testing greatly reduces sample adulteration risks due to its sophisticated collection method.
In Balm, FL, this makes hair testing a dependable choice for those requiring unquestionable results.
With convenient nationwide testing locations, including facilities in Balm, FL, accessing hair follicle testing has never been easier.
This ensures easy availability of testing services across various regions.
The process for hair follicle drug testing in Balm, FL is simple and confidential, making it user-friendly for all involved.
This convenience addresses privacy concerns proactively, ensuring smooth experience.
Combining affordable pricing with speedy turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Balm, FL offers exceptional value.
This makes it an attractive option for organizations of all sizes seeking value.
Hair follicle drug tests are prized for their accuracy and promptness in delivering results. These tests can pinpoint substance usage with a high degree of precision, providing reliable data.
These advantages make hair testing an attractive option for those needing fast and trustworthy outcomes in Balm, FL.
Employers in Balm, FL can achieve peace of mind by implementing hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free policies.
This testing method helps maintain a safe and compliant work environment effectively.
