Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. The hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat hard to adulterate, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 strands of hair (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the ideal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is recommended. We suggest weighing the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. Head hair strictly refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the laboratory handling of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the introductory processing of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This includes confirming that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry not offered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a primary quick check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly way to rule out drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for courtroom acceptance. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening do require additional confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is drawn from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is considered the most challenging method to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is checked under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", the testing is performed on the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In East Marion, FL, hair follicle tests prove superior to urine tests. While urine tests reveal recent consumption, hair analysis unveils prolonged substance use.
Employers benefit significantly, implementing secure drug-free workplace policies with hair testing.
For employers in East Marion, FL, hair follicle testing is invaluable in providing an extended detection window extending up to 90 days. This long period allows for a more in-depth insight into an individual's substance use history.
Such a scope empowers organizations to enforce robust drug-free policies efficiently.
In East Marion, FL, hair follicle testing stands resistant to tampering. Unlike other methods, hair tests significantly reduce adulteration risks, ensuring the integrity of the results.
Employers can trust in their findings, enjoying accuracy without compromise thanks to this robust method.
Our testing facilities in East Marion, FL, are part of a comprehensive network of locations nationwide, offering unparalleled convenience for all testing needs.
Employers and individuals enjoy the advantage of hassle-free access to reliable assessments.
In East Marion, FL, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are all streamlined for maximum privacy and ease.
Users can rest assured knowing their privacy is safeguarded in every step.
East Marion, FL, benefits from competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Our affordable solutions are designed to meet the needs of businesses of varying sizes.
These financial advantages provide peace of mind while maintaining high testing standards.
In East Marion, FL, the precision of hair follicle drug tests outshines other methods. Known for their high accuracy, these tests are favored for detecting substance use, ensuring employers receive dependable data.
Employers and professionals gain trust in their results, with quick and reliable findings that facilitate timely actions and decisions.
Employers in East Marion, FL, achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle tests. These assessments ensure adherence to drug-free policies, lessening legal risks and bolstering workplace safety.
Such benefits make hair tests a preferred tool among safety-centric organizations.
