Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Regarded as a potent method, hair testing is used to uncover drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands encapsulate long-term alcohol and drug usage history by preserving biomarkers in their growing fibers. Obtained close to the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug presence for up to around 3 months. This collection method is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's width) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, optimal for both screening and validation. To conduct EtG, supplementary, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" specifically pertains to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, and so on).
Process Overview
In laboratory processing, the four essential steps for determining a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the preliminary phase where a sample enters a laboratory's framework. This involves verifying that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry required by the electronic chain of custody system.
The Screening stage consists of an initial evaluation for drug misuse. Though Screening remains an economical approach to disprove drug use in most cases, a favorable screen result must be corroborated to hold up in a legal setting. Samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample appear presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. At this point, drugs are withdrawn from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), making hair drug screening one of the most intricate methodologies to execute.
Positive results from screening are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Every presumptively positive sample is cleaned before confirmation, as necessary. This comprehensive laboratory process, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards in its review.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually concentrates on the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp
In Hillcrest Heights, FL, hair follicle drug testing stands out compared to traditional urine testing due to its superior detection capabilities. While urine tests are limited to shorter detection windows, hair testing offers a much longer detection period and is notably more difficult to tamper with, enhancing overall reliability and trust in the test results.
Hair follicle testing offers a remarkable advantage with its extended detection window. Whereas urine tests are limited in scope, hair testing can trace substance use up to 90 days back. This longer window allows employers in Hillcrest Heights, FL, to gain a comprehensive insight into an individual's substance history, ensuring informed hiring and management decisions.
One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing is its tamper-resistant nature. In Hillcrest Heights, FL, this method significantly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that the results are both valid and trustworthy. The integrity of hair testing provides peace of mind for all parties involved, solidifying its place as the gold standard in drug testing.
Accredited Drug Testing makes it easy and convenient for residents of Hillcrest Heights, FL, by offering testing centers nationwide. With widespread locations, access to hair follicle drug testing is hassle-free, allowing for quick and seamless testing services. No matter where you are located, getting tested is straightforward and efficient.
The process from ordering to receiving results is designed to be simple and confidential in Hillcrest Heights, FL. With a focus on privacy and user-friendliness, our procedures ensure that both individuals and employers experience an efficient and stress-free drug testing journey, from start to finish.
Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Hillcrest Heights, FL. Our competitive pricing structures ensure excellent value, catering to the needs of businesses of all sizes. Our swift processes deliver quick results, providing peace of mind and operational efficiency.
The efficiency and precision of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched, yielding fast and consistent results in Hillcrest Heights, FL. Accurate detection of substances ensures that individuals and employers receive reliable data, paving the way for informed decisions. The advanced methods utilized in hair testing guarantee that even the smallest traces are identified with exceptional accuracy.
Employers in Hillcrest Heights, FL, benefit from the compliance and peace of mind that hair follicle testing brings. This method aligns with workplace drug-free policies, mitigating potential legal risks and enhancing safety. By choosing hair testing, companies ensure a stricter adherence to policies and cultivate a safer work environment.
