Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged history of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to nearly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches approximately 200 strands of hair (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for testing and confirmation. For EtG, supplemental tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to collect 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be obtained. When referencing head hair, we imply scalp hair exclusively. Body hair denotes all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary four steps in the laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial handling of a specimen into a laboratory’s framework. This process includes confirming the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary expedient assessment for drug abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug utilization in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Any samples that demonstrate a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other procedures (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to hair drug screening being the most complex methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens undergo washing before confirmation as required. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why choose hair follicle testing over urine tests in Grand Island, FL? Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability, making them ideal for employers and legal entities. The extended detection timeframe and reduced likelihood of tampering make them preferable for those who require detailed substance use insights.
The extended detection window provided by hair follicle testing in Grand Island, FL, allows the tracing of drug use over an extensive period, up to 90 days. This feature gives employers a more comprehensive perspective on an individual’s past substance use, aiding in more informed decision-making for employment or compliance purposes.
In Grand Island, FL, hair follicle tests reduce tampering chances significantly, securing reliable results. Their method makes altering specimens nearly impossible, ensuring the integrity of the sample and providing businesses and legal institutions with credible substance use assessments.
With numerous locations nationwide, including Grand Island, FL, our hair testing services are conveniently accessible. These widespread testing centers provide fast and hassle-free access to essential drug testing services, ensuring you can find a center nearby without inconvenience.
In Grand Island, FL, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. This aspect ensures privacy and ease from ordering to participating in the test, and finally receiving your results. Our approach provides comfort and security for all involved.
Featuring affordable prices and fast turnaround times, our services in Grand Island, FL offer excellent value. We cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring they receive the best service without compromising on cost-efficiency or timeliness.
In Grand Island, FL, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed. These tests provide a high level of accuracy essential for detecting substance use, giving reliable results that organizations can trust. Compared to traditional methods, they offer a superior evaluation of an individual's drug history.
Hair follicle testing assures compliance with drug-free workplace policies in Grand Island, FL. This testing method enhances workplace safety and minimizes legal risks for employers, fostering a safer, more responsible work environment.