Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Dunedin, FL

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method to identify the intake of substances like drugs and alcohol. It offers an extended timeline of substance detection by preserving biomarkers within the hair strands' fibers. Sampling hair near the scalp provides a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to transport.

An ideal sample consists of a 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands, roughly the width of a #2 pencil, producing 100mg of hair for testing. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is advisable. A jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the sample. If head hair isn't available, body hair can suffice. By "head hair," we mean scalp hair specifically, whereas "body hair" includes any other type (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The drug test result processing in a lab involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the step where a sample is initially processed into the lab system, involving checks for proper sealing and shipping, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not provided by an e-chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary check for substance abuse; it's economical for most cases to initially exclude drug use, yet positive screenings need confirmation for legal credibility. Presumptively positive samples in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.

If Screening suggests positivity, more hair from the initial batch is prepared for Extraction. This phase extracts substances at lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluids), making it challenging to perform hair drug screenings.

Positive screenings are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as required. The entire phase from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection: Hair drug tests have a detection period of up to 90 days, surpassing the shorter detection times of urine tests.
• Hard to falsify: The ability to cheat hair drug tests is minimal, enhancing result reliability.
• Historic usage data: It charts a history of substance use rather than only detecting recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Lacks recent use detection: Drug presence in hair isn't detectable until 5-7 days post-use.
• Higher cost: Hair drug tests tend to be more costly than alternative testing methods.
• Result variability: Variables like hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Despite the term "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on hair strands rather than the follicles beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle drug testing in Dunedin, FL, stands out against urine testing due to its superior detection accuracy. It provides a more comprehensive analysis of drug use, often reflecting a three-month usage history, which urine tests cannot match. This method delivers reliable and detailed insights, essential for maintaining regulations and safety.

While urine tests are often prone to manipulation and limited by a shorter detection window, hair tests offer employers a more stable basis for evaluating an employee's adherence to substance policies, enhancing their reliability.

Extended Detection Window

One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Dunedin, FL, is its extended detection window. This test can reveal drug use patterns over the past 90 days, providing employers with a wider lens through which to view an employee's or applicant's history.

This prolonged detection potential aids employers in making informed decisions, as it captures a more comprehensive substance use profile than other testing methods. It is a crucial element for those seeking to maintain stringent anti-drug measures.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Dunedin, FL, is renowned for its tamper-resistant nature. The method significantly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring the accuracy of the results. This is largely due to the difficulty in substituting or manipulating hair samples compared to other types.

The robustness of hair follicle testing guarantees that results are reliable and question-free, making it an indispensable tool for employers who require confidence in their drug testing processes while mitigating risks associated with sample compromise.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing provides the convenience of accessible testing at both nationwide locations and local centers in Dunedin, FL. This ensures swift and hassle-free access to drug testing services, no matter where you are situated.

With multiple centers available, individuals and employers can quickly arrange tests without the complications often associated with limited site availability, making the process streamlined and efficient for all parties involved.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Dunedin, FL, Accredited Drug Testing offers a simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing. From ordering to testing and receiving results, every step is designed to protect privacy and prioritize ease of use, alleviating common concerns regarding confidentiality.

This clear and straightforward approach ensures that clients feel comfortable and secure throughout the testing procedure, fostering trust and satisfaction with the service provided.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround in Dunedin, FL, Accredited Drug Testing provides excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Companies can benefit from cost-effective testing services without sacrificing quality or speed.

With our efficient processes and affordable rates, organizations can optimize their budget while ensuring they maintain a rigorous standard in their drug testing policies, promoting a safe workplace at a reasonable cost.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Dunedin, FL, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, precise, and dependable results. Their high accuracy ensures that substance use is reliably detected, surpassing traditional methods in both speed and precision. This swift and comprehensive screening process enhances confidence in the results obtained.

Employers in Dunedin can rely on the rapid feedback from hair tests, which not only safeguards workplace integrity but also streamlines the hiring and monitoring processes. This efficiency helps in maintaining a trusting and substance-free environment.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Dunedin, FL, can achieve compliance and maintain workplace peace of mind with hair follicle testing. By adopting this method, they can adhere to strict drug-free policies, diminishing legal liabilities and bolstering workplace safety.

This type of testing assures employers that their anti-drug protocols are being followed accurately, lessening the worry about potential infractions and helping to cultivate a safe and productive work environment.

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