Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Englewood, FL

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair integrates long-term evidence of alcohol and illicit substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When obtained near the scalp, hair offers a detection span extending to nearly three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is uncomplicated, relatively tough to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.

A 1.5-inch portion of about 200 hair fibers (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an optimal sample for initial screening and confirmation. For EtG cases, supplementary tests, and/or panels exceeding ten, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a similar quantity of body hair is permissible. References to head hair denote solely scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test outcome comprises four core stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the primary processing of a specimen into a lab's system. This process ensures the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any missing data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody mechanism.

Screening executes an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Though Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug consumption in most samples, a positive screening mandates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.

For samples deemed presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, substances are sourced from hair at a notably lower concentration than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug analysis is the most challenging practice to execute.

Verification of any positive screening outcome is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to verification as needed. The full laboratory process, spanning from Accessioning through Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and conforms to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug evaluations can identify drug use up to 90 days, while urine assessments have a more limited detection period.
• Difficulty in falsifying: It is exceedingly challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, ensuring greater accuracy in the outcomes.
• Yields historical insights: It can reflect a pattern of substance use over time, not just recent activity.

Limitations:

• Unable to identify recent use: Approximately 5-7 days are needed for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug assessments generally incur higher costs compared to other testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements like hair shade and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in the hair.

Note: While often mentioned as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Englewood, FL, hair follicle testing offers numerous advantages over traditional urine analyses. Hair tests provide superior detection accuracy and a more reliable evaluation of drug use history. Unlike urine tests, hair analyses are better at identifying long-term patterns of substance use, making them ideal for thorough assessments.

Extended Detection Window

Within Englewood, FL, hair follicle testing is unparalleled in its ability to detect drug use over extended periods, up to 90 days. Employers gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's history with substances, offering an invaluable resource for making informed decisions regarding employment and workplace policies.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Englewood, FL offer a tamper-resistant testing method, drastically reducing the chances of sample adulteration. This ensures more reliable and trustworthy results compared to other testing procedures, guaranteeing data integrity and giving you confidence in every outcome.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Englewood, FL, our nationwide and local testing centers offer convenient locations. With quick and hassle-free access to testing services, our network ensures prompt testing for all. Experience the ease of accessing reliable testing resources without delay, underscoring our commitment to accessibility and user convenience.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Englewood, FL, enjoy a simple and confidential process when selecting hair follicle testing. From ordering to test completion and receiving results, every step emphasizes privacy, ensuring ease of use with an unwavering commitment to discretion throughout the procedure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Englewood, FL businesses benefit from our affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. Our competitive pricing structures offer excellent value while ensuring quick results, providing peace of mind for companies regardless of size, and reinforcing our commitment to quality and efficiency.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Englewood, FL, hair follicle drug tests provide rapid results, featuring precision and reliability. These methods excel at detecting substances with high accuracy, offering confidence in every report. With their emphasis on swift and accurate outcomes, hair tests ensure both timely and reliable insights into substance use.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Using hair follicle testing, employers in Englewood, FL can easily maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal risks while enhancing workplace safety, providing peace of mind for employers striving to ensure a safe and productive work environment.

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