Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly considered an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol intake. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When cut near the scalp, hair provides a detection period for drugs and alcohol up to roughly three months. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will yield about 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or examinations over 10 panels, a sample amounting to 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, the same quantity of body hair can be collected. ‘Head hair’ specifically denotes scalp hair, while ‘body hair’ encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in processing a drug test result in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial stage of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step involves confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and sent, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data entry that an electronic chain of custody system does not cover.
Screening is an initial examination to rapidly detect drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be validated before it can be utilized in legal proceedings. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. In this stage, drugs are drawn from the hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), establishing hair drug screening as the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleaned prior to confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", these tests actually analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Bowling Green, FL, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing by offering enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests provide shorter detection windows, hair testing can trace drug use over several months, rendering it an invaluable tool for employers striving for comprehensive workplace screening.
The reliability of hair testing is highlighted by its ability to maintain accuracy over extended periods, making it a superior choice for sustained drug use detection. This advantage ensures employers can better enforce zero-tolerance policies and maintain a drug-free environment.
Bowling Green, FL, businesses benefit from the extensive detection window offered by hair follicle drug testing, which can trace drug use up to 90 days. This expansive period grants employers a detailed understanding of an individual's substance history, crucial for thorough employee assessments.
By using hair testing, employers access a broader view of potential drug use, extending far beyond the capabilities of other methods. This long-term detection capacity is pivotal for making informed hiring and monitoring decisions, protecting workplace integrity.
In Bowling Green, FL, hair follicle testing sets a high standard for tamper-proof drug screening methods. The inherent difficulty in altering hair samples means they provide a more secure and trustworthy means of achieving reliable results compared to other testing options.
The integrity of hair follicle tests stems from their resistance to common adulteration techniques, reducing the chance of false negatives or compromised results. This makes them ideal for settings where accuracy and unquestioned results are paramount.
With extensive testing facilities accessible nationwide and locally in Bowling Green, FL, Accredited Drug Testing ensures hassle-free testing service access. Our conveniently sited centers facilitate quick and easy drug testing, removing geographic barriers to compliance.
Our centers' strategic placement means employers and individuals won't have to travel far for testing needs, streamlining the process and saving both time and effort. This wide network of facilities is crucial for maintaining timely and thorough drug testing procedures.
In Bowling Green, FL, our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and discreet, from ordering to result delivery. This ensures customer privacy and ease of use throughout the testing procedure, addressing concerns regarding confidentiality and simplicity.
The steps involved in taking and receiving test results are designed to be user-friendly, minimizing any potential stress associated with drug testing procedures while maintaining privacy standards, allowing clients to focus on their primary concerns.
Offering competitive pricing structures in Bowling Green, FL, our hair follicle testing services provide excellent value with fast turnaround times. These elements align to deliver satisfaction and peace of mind for businesses of all sizes, enhancing their screening capabilities.
The affordability of our services combined with prompt result delivery ensures organizations can conduct thorough and budget-conscious testing, vital for maintaining a drug-free workplace without incurring significant costs.
Hair follicle drug testing offers fast, precise, and dependable outcomes in Bowling Green, FL. The rapid analysis process ensures swift detection while maintaining high standards of accuracy in identifying substances. This testing method not only ensures efficient results but also bolsters confidence in the reliability of drug assessments.
The advanced technology utilized in hair testing expedites results, matching the pace of urgent testing needs. Its capabilities to quickly detect a wide range of substances provide assurance to employers and entities seeking robust drug screening solutions.
Employers in Bowling Green, FL, find peace of mind through the compliance assurance provided by hair follicle testing. This method helps maintain adherence to workplace drug-free policies, significantly reducing legal challenges and enhancing overall safety.
By utilizing hair testing, employers bolster their commitment to a safe work environment, effectively minimizing risks associated with drug use and fulfilling necessary regulatory requirements to maintain workplace integrity.
