Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective tool for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides a comprehensive timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. Collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection timeframe of up to three months for substances. Hair is easy to collect, tough to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, suitable for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, add-ons, or panels exceeding ten, 150mg of hair is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accuracy. When scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The pivotal stages in the drug test laboratory processing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the phase where a sample is processed into the lab's system. This covers ensuring the sample is properly sealed and dispatched, assigning it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid evaluation for illegal substances. Although cost-effective for ruling out substance use in most cases, a positive screening necessitates confirmation to be court admissible. Any sample with a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted and prepped for Extraction. In this stage, drug compounds are drawn from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair testing is the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positives are washed before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory workflow from Accessioning through Confirmation is vetted by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Merits of hair drug examinations:
Drawbacks:
Note: While commonly dubbed "hair follicle tests", this method analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fort Pierce North, FL
Hair testing provides unique advantages over traditional urine tests. The most notable benefit is its superior detection period, revealing substance use for up to 90 days. This longer window ensures reliable detection which is essential for maintaining workplace integrity and compliance with drug policies.
Extended Detection Window in Fort Pierce North, FL
The ability of hair follicle testing to monitor drug use for up to 90 days gives employers more comprehensive insight into an individual’s drug history. This extended window is significantly longer than that of urine tests, providing critical data to support hiring and workplace safety decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fort Pierce North, FL
Hair follicle tests are inherently tamper-resistant, reducing the risk of adulteration. Because of their robust collection and testing procedures, results remain trustworthy, combating attempts to cheat the process and ensuring valid outcomes every time.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fort Pierce North, FL
With testing centers located nationwide, accessibility to drug testing services is seamless. Fort Pierce North offers local access, ensuring that testing is not only efficient but also unobtrusive. This broad network simplifies the process, making it quick and easy.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fort Pierce North, FL
From ordering to receiving results, the process is designed to be straightforward and private. Concerns regarding confidentiality and ease of use are addressed with a simple system, ensuring individual privacy and convenience at every step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fort Pierce North, FL
Known for competitive pricing and swift turnaround, Accredited Drug Testing offers great value for businesses of all sizes. Our affordable solutions, matched with speedy results, deliver both economic and operational advantages to employers.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fort Pierce North, FL
Hair follicle drug tests offer precision and swift turnaround times. Not only do they detect substance use with great accuracy, but they also deliver results quickly, providing peace of mind to employers and individuals. The exacting methods and technology used make them a dependable choice for drug screening.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fort Pierce North, FL
Using hair follicle testing aligns with drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks and improving workplace safety. Employers are assured compliance and find peace of mind knowing that rigorous testing practices are in place, supporting a safe and productive work environment.
