Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. This method captures a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers into the strands of growing hair. When collected near the scalp, it provides a detection period of up to 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Hair samples are straightforward to gather, resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of around 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG tests, add-ons, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement. If scalp hair is not obtainable, an equivalent volume of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair pertain only to scalp hair. Conversely, body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
There are four essential stages in the laboratory's processing of drug test outcomes: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first stage where a sample is integrated into the laboratory's system. This involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry that the electronic chain of custody system may not provide.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation for substances of abuse. Although cost-efficient for eliminating drug utilization in most samples, a positive result in Screening requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Therefore, samples with presumptive positive results during Screening need secondary confirmation.
Should Screening indicate a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration than other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), which makes hair drug screening a challenging procedure.
Any presumptive positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo a wash before confirmation if necessary. The entire process from Accessioning through Confirmation is conducted in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the examination is actually of the hair strand and does not involve the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in East Dunbar, FL
Hair testing holds significant advantages over traditional urine tests, including superior detection accuracy. It presents a reliable method, offering detailed insights into drug use history rather than short-term snapshots.
Employers and legal entities benefit greatly from hair tests’ longer detection period compared to urine tests. This broader window results in more comprehensive substance use data, enhancing reliability.
Extended Detection Window in East Dunbar, FL
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its extended drug detection window, often reaching up to 90 days. This long-term insight grants employers a comprehensive view into an individual's substance usage history.
Providing a historical perspective, this testing benefits employers by ensuring informed hiring and personnel decisions, offering a deeper understanding than typically available from shorter detection methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in East Dunbar, FL
Hair follicle tests are designed to mitigate the risk of sample tampering effectively. This robust testing method ensures that the results are trustworthy, leaving little room for adulteration.
Reliability is enhanced by the difficulty involved in tampering with hair test samples. This stringent approach guarantees that the outcomes are precise and credible, providing peace of mind to all involved.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in East Dunbar, FL
Our widespread network of testing centers guarantees accessibility and convenience, enabling quick access to services without logistical hurdles.
Residents in East Dunbar, FL, benefit from this network, streamlined to ensure that testing is prompt and hassle-free, contributing to a seamless testing experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in East Dunbar, FL
Our process prioritizes ease and confidentiality when ordering, conducting, and receiving test results. Clients benefit from a secure and straightforward procedure, maintaining privacy.
Concerns regarding user-friendliness and privacy are comprehensively addressed, ensuring peace of mind through a private and streamlined approach from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in East Dunbar, FL
Our pricing strategies are designed to be competitive, providing exceptional value. Coupled with swift turnaround times, we ensure peace of mind and efficiency for organizations of varying sizes.
By offering both cost-effectiveness and fast results, we support businesses in managing their drug testing needs without financial strain or undue delay.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in East Dunbar, FL
Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and quick turnaround times. Their superior accuracy in identifying substance use ensures that results are dependable, thereby supporting effective decision-making processes.
The testing method is structured to deliver rapid feedback without compromising on quality. This high level of accuracy assures stakeholders of the results’ dependability, reinforcing trust in the process.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in East Dunbar, FL
Implementing hair follicle testing aids in ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This not only mitigates legal risks but also fosters a safer working environment.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing that with hair testing, there is a more comprehensive understanding of employee behavior that aligns with compliance requirements, thus enhancing workplace integrity.
