Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are increasingly recognized as a robust means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substance use by integrating biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 90-day detection window for substances. It is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing is advisable. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. In the context of head hair, this refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in the lab processing of a test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s system. It involves confirming that the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary check for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal acceptance. Any samples testing presumptively positive necessitate secondary verification.
For samples found presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than found in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair testing the most intricate method to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positive results undergo a wash before confirmation, as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", these assessments evaluate the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Browardale, FL
With a superior detection period, hair follicle drug tests clearly outperform traditional urine tests. Thanks to their precision, they offer unparalleled accuracy, providing reliable data to employers, which is crucial for maintaining a drug-free environment.
Extended Detection Window in Browardale, FL
One major advantage of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. Spanning up to 90 days, it offers a comprehensive review of past substance use, crucial for informed decision-making by employers when assessing potential hires.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Browardale, FL
Hair follicle tests greatly minimize the risk of sample tampering. Their methodology ensures that results remain unaltered and authentic, providing employers with peace of mind regarding the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Browardale, FL
Our expansive network of testing centers ensures that accessing testing services is both quick and convenient. With locations scattered nationwide, clients in Browardale can easily benefit from hassle-free service.
Simple, Confidential Process in Browardale, FL
The step-by-step process of ordering, conducting, and receiving your test results is designed to be straightforward and confidential. Privacy concerns are addressed, guaranteeing users a seamless and secure experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Browardale, FL
Our competitive pricing, paired with rapid test processing, guarantees exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. Speedy turnaround ensures timely information without stretching your budget.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Browardale, FL
The precision of hair follicle drug tests is unmatched. Their ability to detect even minute traces of substance use with high accuracy ensures reliable results every time. Benefit from results that not only provide clarity but are delivered swiftly to meet urgent needs.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Browardale, FL
Utilizing hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to stringent drug-free workplace policies. Not only does this reduce legal liabilities, but it also guarantees a safer workplace environment, promoting overall peace of mind.
