Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent means for discovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by retaining biomarkers within the strands as the hair grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reflect a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, is not easily tampered with, and is simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil) near the scalp supplies 100mg of hair, which is considered optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional assessments, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen weight is recommended. If scalp hair is not present, a similar amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g. facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four essential phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial entry of a sample into a lab’s setup. This step includes confirming the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, fast evaluation for drug abuse. Screening is economical for excluding drug use in most samples, yet a positive screen must be confirmed to be court-admissible. Any samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
When a sample indicates a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair from the original specimen is retrieved and readied for Extraction. In this step, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any results from a positive screening is completed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary. The entire lab workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is comprehensively reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Dunnellon, FL, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests by offering superior detection abilities and reliability. Hair tests provide a longer detection window, which gives a clearer view of an individual’s substance use history.
The reliability of hair tests ensures that they remain a preferred method for employers seeking stringent drug-free workplace policies.
In Dunnellon, FL, hair follicle testing offers an extensive detection period for drug use, lasting up to 90 days. This allows employers a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance use history.
The extended detection window of hair tests provides a more comprehensive overview of drug habits compared to shorter-term tests.
In Dunnellon, FL, hair follicle tests are robust against tampering, minimizing sample adulteration, and delivering trustworthy results.
The integrity of hair testing ensures results remain credible and free from manipulation, assuring accurate outcomes every time.
With convenient nationwide and local testing sites in Dunnellon, FL, accessing our services is straightforward, ensuring seamless testing experiences.
Our extensive network guarantees hassle-free access to testing services whenever needed, with locations readily available.
In Dunnellon, FL, our hair testing process is designed to be simple and discreet, addressing privacy concerns. From ordering to results, every step is confidential and user-friendly.
Our process ensures ease of use, making it accessible to anyone requiring accurate testing with private, reliable results.
Offering competitive pricing and swift results, our hair testing services in Dunnellon, FL, deliver exceptional value for companies of all sizes.
With quick turnaround times, businesses benefit from our efficient service, gaining valuable insights without delay at affordable rates.
In Dunnellon, FL, hair follicle tests are renowned for their reliability and quick results. These tests offer unparalleled precision in detecting substances, ensuring accurate outcomes.
The speed with which hair follicle tests can provide results makes them a preferred choice for many. Their high degree of accuracy is unmatched in detecting drug use.
Employers in Dunnellon, FL, benefit from hair follicle testing by maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies, thereby enhancing safety and reducing legal risks.
By adopting hair testing, companies can ensure peace of mind, knowing they are upholding essential policies to foster a secure work environment.
