Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective measure for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The growth in hair strands traps biomarkers, offering a detailed history of substance use. When collected from the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window for alcohol and drugs extending up to three months. This method of collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides 100 mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, or more than 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150 mg is preferable. It's suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. Reference to head hair implies only scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Lab processing of a drug test result unfolds in four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any extra data entry is completed if an electronic chain of custody isn't provided.
Screening quickly identifies potential drug abuse. Although cost-effective for ruling out drug use in many samples, a positive screening must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
For any tentatively positive sample in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology.
Positive screening results are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Necessarily, all samples presumed positive are cleansed prior to confirmation. This comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards compliance.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," this test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to more traditional urine tests in Cutler Bay, FL, the benefits are clear. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests only capture recent drug use, hair testing provides a more extensive detection timeline.
The extended detection window provided by hair follicle testing in Cutler Bay, FL, is up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance use history—essential for making informed hiring decisions.
In Cutler Bay, FL, hair follicle tests dramatically reduce the risk of tampering. The method ensures that the samples are nearly impossible to adulterate, delivering results that are both reliable and unquestionable, ensuring trust in the testing process.
With convenient nationwide and local testing centers in Cutler Bay, FL, accessing testing services is hassle-free. Individuals and companies benefit from quick and easy locations, ensuring efficient service.
The process of hair follicle testing in Cutler Bay, FL is simple and confidential. Ordering and taking tests, as well as receiving results, is straightforward, addressing privacy and usability concerns efficiently.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround in Cutler Bay, FL, our hair follicle testing services provide excellent value. Companies of all sizes appreciate the affordability and speed which contribute to peace of mind.
In Cutler Bay, FL, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and precision. These tests offer high accuracy in detecting substance abuse, ensuring the results you receive are quick and reliable. This method allows professionals and employers to trust the outcomes.
By utilizing hair follicle tests, Cutler Bay, FL employers gain peace of mind and ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing reduces legal risks and boosts safety, providing a secure work environment.