Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, the hair can offer up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is favored. It's advisable to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair might be taken. When discussing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair, while body hair pertains to all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample in a lab’s system. This process encompasses verifying that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be verified for it to be valid in legal proceedings. Any positively flagged samples in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
If a sample is deemed presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. Within this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Golf, FL
Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy compared to urine tests. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle tests provide a longer detection window and are less prone to tampering. In Golf, FL, choosing hair tests ensures more reliable results and enhances the ability to detect past substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Golf, FL
Hair follicle tests offer an extended detection window, capturing drug use history over a period of up to 90 days. This enables employers in Golf, FL, to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s substance habits, making it an invaluable tool for informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Golf, FL
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring trustworthy and unquestionable results. In Golf, FL, these tests stand out as a reliable method of drug screening, promoting integrity and confidence in the results, unlike other methods that are susceptible to tampering.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Golf, FL
With convenient locations nationwide, including Golf, FL, accessing testing services is hassle-free. Our widespread centers ensure quick and easy testing availability, making the process smooth and accommodating for everyone needing reliable drug testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Golf, FL
The process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is simple and confidential in Golf, FL. This approach addresses privacy concerns while ensuring ease of access and understanding, enhancing user experience and maintaining confidentiality throughout testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Golf, FL
We offer competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle tests in Golf, FL. Our approach combines affordability with rapid response, providing excellent value and ensuring peace of mind for companies of all sizes without compromising on speed or accuracy.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Golf, FL
Hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results, making them a preferred choice in Golf, FL. With their ability to detect substance use precisely, these tests stand out for their accuracy in identifying drug users accurately and quickly, ensuring timely results without compromising reliability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Golf, FL
Using hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and bolstering workplace safety. Employers in Golf, FL, gain peace of mind, knowing their drug testing practices are stringent, reliable, and effective against substance abuse.
