Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. This approach offers an extended timeframe of substance use, as hair retains biomarkers within its strands. When cut near the scalp, a hair sample can reveal drug and alcohol usage over roughly three months. The sampling is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and easily transported.
A strand cluster weighing roughly 100mg, acquired from a 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hairs near the scalp (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil), is deemed ideal for initial testing and verification. In cases involving EtG, supplementary analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is suggested. We advise measuring the sample using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome includes four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the lab's system. This phase ensures that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any required data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as a preliminary analysis to identify drug abuse. Though a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use for most samples, any positive finding in Screening requires confirmation to hold up in legal proceedings. Samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate an additional confirmation step.
Upon a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair is taken from the primary sample to proceed to Extraction. Here, substances are extracted from the hair sample at a particularly low concentration compared to alternate methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques are utilized for Confirmation of positive screening results. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing when needed before Confirmation. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized following the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and adheres to ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed as “hair follicle tests”, the analysis actually examines the hair shaft above the scalp, not the follicle itself.
Superior Detection in Crescent Beach, FL
When comparing hair testing to urine testing, hair tests stand out due to their superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers a broader window for drug detection, making it an invaluable tool for employers and professionals.
Extended Monitoring Capabilities
In Crescent Beach, FL, hair follicle testing grants employers a distinct advantage by revealing drug use over up to a 90-day period. This comprehensive approach provides a deeper insight into an individual’s substance history, making it a preferred choice for thorough assessments.
Ensuring Trustworthy Results in Crescent Beach, FL
Hair follicle tests drastically minimize the chance of tampering, ensuring that the results are trustworthy and credible. Their design makes it nearly impossible to alter samples, thus maintaining integrity and providing peace of mind to all involved.
Access and Convenience
With numerous nationwide testing centers, including locations in Crescent Beach, FL, accessing testing services is straightforward and hassle-free. This network ensures quick and convenient drug testing services for individuals and businesses alike.
Confidential and User-Friendly Process
Our hair follicle testing ensures a simple and confidential experience for users. From ordering the test to receiving results, the process prioritizes privacy and ease, making it seamless for all involved in Crescent Beach, FL.
Value and Rapid Service
Offering competitive pricing alongside fast turnaround times, our hair follicle testing provides excellent value. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from our efficient service and economical rates, ensuring peace of mind with swift results in Crescent Beach, FL.
Efficiency and Accuracy in Crescent Beach, FL
Hair follicle drug tests deliver unparalleled precision and speed. Whether for employment or legal purposes, these tests quickly identify substance use, giving you confidence in the results. With exceptional accuracy, hair testing offers an edge, ensuring reliable outcomes without room for doubt.
Compliance Benefits for Employers in Crescent Beach, FL
Employers utilizing hair follicle testing can ensure compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This not only reduces legal risks but also enhances workplace safety, providing employers with reassurance and peace of mind.