Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now viewed as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug usage. Hair captures a long-term record of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When taken close to the scalp, hair samples can reveal drug or alcohol usage over a period of up to about 3 months. Collecting hair is straightforward, it's relatively tamper-proof, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample comprising approximately 200 strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) taken from the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or more than 10-panel tests, 150mg of the sample is ideal. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be used, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. When talking about head hair, we only mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in lab processing of a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the beginning phase of processing a sample within a lab’s system. This involves confirming the sample's sealing and shipping integrity, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and filling in any missing data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a rapid assessment for identifying drugs of abuse. While Screening is cost-efficient for eliminating drug use in most samples, a Screening positive result must be validated for legal admissibility. Samples testing positive in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other tests (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening the most complex testing methodology.
Confirming a positive Screening result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples with presumptive positive results are washed as required. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 certification.
Benefits of hair drug examination:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests," the examination focuses on the hair strand, not the follicles underneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing triumphs over urine testing in Green Meadow, FL, by providing superior detection and accuracy. Employers and courts value hair tests for their ability to uncover drug use over a longer period, offering better insight than traditional urine tests.
Benefits of Hair over Urine:
Green Meadow, FL, employers gain a comprehensive view of an individual's drug history with hair follicle testing, which extends detection up to 90 days.
Extended Detection Window:
In Green Meadow, FL, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant solution.
Advantages:
In Green Meadow, FL, enjoy the convenience of our nationwide testing locations.
Benefits:
In Green Meadow, FL, the process for hair follicle testing is simple and confidential.
Simplicity:
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround in Green Meadow, FL.
Key Points:
In Green Meadow, FL, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their fast and reliable results.
Key Advantages:
Employers in Green Meadow, FL, enjoy compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing.
Ensures:
