Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become acknowledged as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substance use by embedding markers within the growing hair strands. When acquired near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a three-month window for detecting substances. The collection of hair samples is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides approximately 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, the recommendation is 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accuracy. If scalp hair isn't available, the same amount of body hair can be used. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses other types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing into the lab’s system. This step verifies the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional info entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary swift assessment for drug presence. While Screening offers a cost-effective means to exclude drug usage in most samples, any positive screen must be confirmed for court validity. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a particularly complex procedure.
The Confirmation of any positive screening is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Citrus Springs, FL, outshines urine testing by offering superior accuracy and reliability.
Accuracy: Hair tests detect a broader range of substances over an extended period.
Reliability: With a nearly impossible rate of tampering, hair tests provide trustworthy results, making them an ideal choice for sensitive situations.
Offering an extended detection window, hair follicle testing in Citrus Springs, FL, captures substance use up to 90 days prior. This comprehensive overview aids employers in obtaining a thorough understanding of one's substance use history, far beyond the scope of urine tests.
Long-Term Insight: A detailed snapshot of an individual's substance consumption patterns.
Hair follicle tests in Citrus Springs, FL, provide a tamper-resistant solution to drug testing. Reducing the risk of sample adulteration, these tests offer reliable and definitive results, critical for employers and authorities who require unquestionable integrity in testing protocols.
Integrity: Direct observation ensures sample purity and authenticity.
Convenience defines hair follicle testing in Citrus Springs, FL, with nationwide centers providing quick and hassle-free service access. This network ensures ease of testing, whether locally or across the country.
Accessibility: No-fuss center locations streamline the testing process for everyone involved.
In Citrus Springs, FL, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. Ordering, test-taking, and result retrieval is streamlined to maintain privacy and ease.
Confidentiality: Safeguarded throughout the process.
Simplicity: Ensures a stress-free experience for all participants.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround define hair follicle testing in Citrus Springs, FL, offering exceptional value. Employers of all sizes benefit from cost-effective testing solutions.
Affordability: Prices structured to fit any budget.
Quick Results: Expedited to provide timely insights.
In Citrus Springs, FL, hair follicle drug tests promise fast and accurate results. They excel in precision, detecting substances with high accuracy, which is crucial for employers and individuals alike.
Speed: Hair tests generally provide results quicker than alternative testing methods.
Reliability: The meticulous nature of hair testing ensures consistent and dependable outcomes.
Employers in Citrus Springs, FL, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This robust testing reduces legal risks and fosters a safer work environment.
Compliance: Upheld through detailed, accurate testing results.
Safety: Enhanced by reducing workplace substance use risks.
