Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of drug and alcohol consumption by embedding biomarkers within the fabric of the emerging hair strand. When procured near the scalp, hair offers roughly a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, comparatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of about 200 hairs (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to measure the sample. In situations where scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent volume of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we imply scalp hair exclusively. Body hair covers all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a specimen into a laboratory's framework. This step verifies the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises an initial swift assessment for drugs of misuse. While Screening provides a cost-effective method to negate drug usage in most samples, a positive screening necessitates confirmation to be permissible in legal proceedings. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening mandate secondary confirmation.
If a specimen shows a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation, as required. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is supervised 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 frequently called "hair follicle tests", the test actually assesses the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Better than Urine Tests — In Copeland, FL, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in many ways. The capability to detect a broader range of substances with greater accuracy over an extended period is one primary advantage. Hair tests eliminate many of the limitations found in urine testing, providing a more dependable method of ensuring a drug-free workplace.
Companies often prefer hair testing due to its higher accuracy and the fact that it is nearly impossible for individuals to cheat the system, affirming its position as a superior testing method.
In Copeland, FL, the power of hair follicle testing lies in its extended detection window, which significantly eclipses urine testing. By analyzing hair samples, employers gain insight into drug use over a period as long as 90 days. Such an extensive view allows for a more comprehensive assessment of an individual’s substance use history.
Utilizing this method, employers can make informed decisions, ensuring that assessments of potential or current employees are backed by thorough historical data on substance use.
Tamper-Resistant Solution — The inherent design of hair follicle tests in Copeland, FL, considerably reduces the likelihood of sample tampering. These tests provide results that are largely immune to manipulation, making them a steadfast option for those seeking reliable and factual outcomes.
Hair testing offers a trusted solution for ensuring a drug-free environment as it’s incredibly difficult for samples to be altered. This brings about unparalleled confidence in the test results obtained through this method.
Convenience Across Locations — Our myriad of testing centers, spread nationwide and local to Copeland, FL, simplifies the process, making access to services quick and straightforward. These conveniently situated centers ensure testing is conducted efficiently and without hassle, significantly benefiting businesses and individuals alike.
This network of accessible locations guarantees that testing requirements can be handled promptly, accommodating both personal and corporate needs with minimal effort.
Our testing process in Copeland, FL is designed to be simple and confidential, ensuring ease of use from start to finish. Ordering, taking, and receiving the results of hair tests are straightforward, with privacy as a top priority, providing users with the reassurance needed to proceed comfortably.
This seamless process is tailored to protect the anonymity and comfort of clients, ensuring that each step is handled with the utmost discretion.
Competitive Pricing — In Copeland, FL, our hair follicle testing services offer reasonable pricing structures that promise excellent value. Coupled with swift turnaround times, these services cater to companies of any size, ensuring that results are delivered promptly, fulfilling both budgetary and time requirements efficiently.
With our focus on cost-effectiveness, clients benefit from in-depth drug testing services without compromising on quality and speed, leading to cost savings and quick results.
Fast and Reliable — In Copeland, FL, hair follicle drug tests are valued for their quick and accurate detection capabilities. These tests shine in their ability to swiftly identify substances, providing precise results within a short timeframe. As such, they offer a dependable approach for companies aiming to maintain workplace safety standards.
With hair testing, accuracy ensures peace of mind as each substance use indication is thoroughly verified, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize reliability and speed.
For employers in Copeland, FL, compliance is crucial, and hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies. By utilizing this testing method, employers mitigate legal risks while promoting a safe work environment, leading to enhanced peace of mind.
Employers benefit from the assurance that drug policies are being upheld efficiently and reliably, establishing a more secure and worry-free workplace atmosphere.
