Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged account of substance use by embedding biomarkers within its strands. Hair collected near the scalp can offer an approximate 3-month timeframe for drug and alcohol detection. Gathering hair is effortless, resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, roughly comprising 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, extra analyses, and/or panels exceeding ten, a specimen of 150mg is preferable. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent volume of body hair can be collected. Scalp hair references head hair solely, while body hair encompasses other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test encompasses four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning phase entails integrating a sample into the lab's system, ensuring it was sealed and delivered correctly, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves a preliminary evaluation for substance abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a screen deemed positive requires validation to be legally acceptable. Any samples considered presumptively positive during screening necessitate further confirmation.
During the Screening phase, if a sample is likely positive, hair is extracted from the initial sample for further preparation in the Extraction stage. This phase involves obtaining drugs from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other modalities like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening a challenging methodology.
Confirmation of positive Screenings employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis assesses the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
The Superiority of Hair Testing in Carver Ranches, FL
Hair follicle testing outshines urine analysis by offering a longer detection window and better reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle screenings are less prone to manipulation, ensuring results that employers and legal entities can trust.
Extended Substance Detection in Carver Ranches, FL
Hair follicle testing provides a broader view of an individual’s substance history, tracking drug use over up to 90 days. This extended window proves invaluable to employers in Carver Ranches who require a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee’s past habits.
Tamper-Proof Assurance in Carver Ranches, FL
Hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage by minimizing the possibility of tampered samples. Its inherent design assures dependable results, making it a preferred choice for employers and legal entities seeking certainty in Carver Ranches.
Accessibility of Convenient Testing Centers in Carver Ranches, FL
With a network of testing centers nationwide, including local options in Carver Ranches, individuals can easily access testing services. This ensures an effortless and straightforward experience for customers.
Streamlined and Confidential Testing Process in Carver Ranches, FL
Ordering, undertaking, and obtaining results from hair follicle tests is a simple and private process in Carver Ranches. This method ensures user confidentiality and ease from start to finish.
Affordably Priced and Quick Results in Carver Ranches, FL
Carver Ranches-based companies can benefit from our competitive pricing structures and speedy turnaround times. Offering great value, our services cater to businesses of all sizes, ensuring reliability without breaking the bank.
Achieving High Precision and Speed in Carver Ranches, FL
Hair follicle testing delivers fast, accurate, and reliable results. This testing method’s capability to pinpoint substance use with remarkable precision sets it apart. When time and accuracy are paramount, individuals in Carver Ranches can rest assured that their assessments will be both thorough and expedient.
Employer Assurance Through Compliance in Carver Ranches, FL
By adopting hair follicle testing, employers in Carver Ranches can ensure that their workplace complies with drug-free policies. This proactive approach reduces legal liabilities and enhances workplace safety, providing peace of mind.
