Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests have emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a repository for long-term drug and alcohol indicators by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When cut near the scalp line, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly 90 days for drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair samples is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A strand length of 1.5 inches, comprising approximately 200 hair strands (around the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For tests such as EtG, additional panels, or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a specimen quantity of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not present, a comparable quantity of body hair is acceptable. Head hair refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair types (like facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The key phases in the lab processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary process of integrating a sample into the lab’s system. This involves ensuring the sample's seal and shipment integrity, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any non-electronic data input required by the absence of a digital chain of custody.
Screening serves as a preliminary rapid assessment for illicit drugs. Although Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug presence in most samples, a positive result must undergo confirmation to be legally valid. Samples that yield a presumptive positive from Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is removed from the primary specimen for the Extraction process. In this phase, drugs are drawn out of the hair at a lower concentration as compared to other methods (like urine or saliva), making hair drug testing a more intricate procedure.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is completed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptively positive sample undergoes washing prior to confirmation when required. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair protocols and meets ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Blackman, FL, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in several ways. The primary benefit of hair tests over urine tests is their superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair follicle testing offers a more extended detection window and decreased likelihood of result manipulation, making it the preferred choice for thorough drug testing.
Hair follicle testing in Blackman, FL provides an extended detection window, often up to 90 days. This unique feature allows employers to gain detailed insights into an individual's drug use history. Such a comprehensive view is invaluable for making informed decisions about potential or current employees.
Hair follicle tests in Blackman, FL, significantly reduce the possibility of sample tampering. The robust nature of hair testing makes the results highly reliable, providing employers and legal authorities with trustworthy data that stands up to scrutiny.
With convenient testing centers located nationwide and locally in Blackman, FL, accessing drug testing services is straightforward and hassle-free. Our widespread presence ensures quick and easy access for all testing needs.
The process of ordering and receiving hair follicle test results in Blackman, FL is straightforward and confidential. This simple approach ensures users' privacy while delivering efficient service. Clients can rest assured that their testing process is both easy to navigate and discreet.
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Blackman, FL make our services highly attractive to businesses of all sizes. Offering excellent value, we ensure cost-effective solutions without compromising on speed or accuracy.
The efficiency and accuracy of hair follicle drug testing in Blackman, FL, are unparalleled. These tests provide precise and swift results, essential for detecting substance usage. Their high degree of accuracy ensures that employers can trust the results, making hair tests a reliable choice.
Employers in Blackman, FL gain peace of mind knowing that hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method not only minimizes legal risks but also enhances overall workplace safety.
