Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an influential method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extensive historical record of alcohol and substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can present up to roughly a 3-month time frame for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample size of 1.5 inches comprising around 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent weight of body hair can be acquired. Note, head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair covers any other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages involved in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial intake of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be admissible in legal proceedings. Any samples testing as presumptively positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample tests as presumptively positive at the Screening phase, supplementary hair is extracted from the initial sample and arranged for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening poses the greatest challenge among methodologies.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are subjected to washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the testing process examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Elfers, FL
In Elfers, FL, hair follicle testing prevails over traditional urine testing. Benefits include:
Extended Detection Window in Elfers, FL
Elfers employers benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection period. Unlike other methods, hair tests trace drug use up to 90 days, presenting a comprehensive substance history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Elfers, FL
Hair follicle tests in Elfers offer a tamper-resistant way to obtain drug test results. This method significantly reduces the chance of sample manipulation, guaranteeing reliable outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Elfers, FL
Our extensive network provides accessible testing locations nationwide and locally in Elfers, FL, ensuring a hassle-free testing experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Elfers, FL
Ordering, undertaking, and receiving hair follicle test results in Elfers is simple and confidential. Our process is designed to prioritize privacy and ease every step of the way.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Elfers, FL
We offer competitive pricing and rapid turnaround on hair follicle testing in Elfers, FL. Our services provide value to enterprises of various scales.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Elfers, FL
Experience the precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing in Elfers, FL. Our hair tests ensure high accuracy, adept at identifying substance use reliably and swiftly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Elfers, FL
Utilizing hair follicle testing equips employers in Elfers with solid compliance to drug-free policies. This method mitigates legal risks, enhancing workplace safety and peace of mind.
