Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug use by securing biomarkers within the hair shaft as it grows. When cut near the scalp, this method can reveal up to nearly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and various drugs. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and transportation is uncomplicated.
A sample that is 1.5 inches long with around 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for testing and validation. For EtG tests, add-ons, and/or screenings beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Usage of a jeweler's scale is suggested to weigh the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar amount of body hair is permissible. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair only; body hair includes any other type (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in the lab analysis of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. It checks for proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles any extra data entry that an electronic chain of custody system might miss.
Screening is an initial rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use for many samples, a positive result requires further affirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening need to undergo an additional confirmation process.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity in the Screening stage, a further portion of hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction preparation. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a substantially lower concentration than in alternative methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis one of the most challenging methodologies.
Positive results from screenings are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The full lab sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used, but the examination is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Excels Over Urine Testing: In Fort Myers Beach, FL, the advantages of hair testing over more conventional urine tests are evident. Hair tests boast superior detection accuracy and reliability, detecting drug use over extended periods compared to urine tests. For comprehensive and dependable results, hair testing surpasses its urine counterparts, solidifying its choice as a preferred method.
Hair follicle testing offers an Extended Detection Window in Fort Myers Beach, FL, tracking drug use over much longer durations, up to 90 days. This extended window provides employers and agencies a complete overview of an individual's substance history, making it a critical tool for assessing applicants' or employees' long-term drug use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing: Hair follicle tests in Fort Myers Beach, FL, effectively minimize the risk of sample adulteration, offering undeniable and reliable results. This testing method's robustness against tampering ensures that the integrity of the samples and results are preserved, providing peace of mind to employers and individuals alike.
Nationwide and Local Testing Locations in Fort Myers Beach, FL, provide unparalleled convenience. With numerous accessible centers, acquiring a quality hair follicle test is straightforward and hassle-free. Whether local or nationwide, our centers support an effortless testing journey with quick and accessible options for everyone in need of testing services.
A Simple and Confidential Process in Fort Myers Beach, FL, makes acquiring and receiving hair follicle test results straightforward while prioritizing privacy and usability. Our process ensures confidentiality at every stage, from ordering to obtaining results, addressing privacy concerns and making the testing experience secure and stress-free.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround: In Fort Myers Beach, FL, competitive pricing and swift turnaround times highlight the value delivered by hair follicle testing. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from cost-effective testing solutions, ensuring top-notch service without compromising on precision or speed.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Fort Myers Beach, FL, ensure results that are both fast and reliable. Hair test accuracy is unparalleled, offering a clear picture of substance use with quick turnaround times. By opting for hair testing, individuals and businesses alike benefit from results that reflect high accuracy levels, providing confidence in the testing process and outcomes.
Employers in Fort Myers Beach, FL, gain Compliance and Peace of Mind through hair follicle testing. By adhering to drug-free policies and minimizing legal risks, businesses enhance workplace safety and maintain compliance. This method ensures that employees meet stringent policy standards, contributing to a safer and more productive work environment.
