Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It captures biomarkers within the fibers of a growing hair, offering a historical view of substance use. When collected near the scalp, hair affords a detection timeframe of up to approximately 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an ideal sample size for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's best to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, it denotes only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four major phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary stage of processing a sample within a lab's framework. This step involves confirming proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid evaluation for the presence of drugs. Although Screening is a cost-effective strategy to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that show presumptive positive results during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive result in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. Drugs are isolated from hair at a concentration that is significantly lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the challenge of conducting hair drug screening.
Positive screening results are confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While sometimes termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why does hair testing surpass urine tests in Homestead Base, FL? The primary advantage lies in its extensive detection accuracy. Hair tests offer greater reliability, presenting a comprehensive analysis over a longer term. This capability offers an evident edge over classic urine examinations.
Employers in Homestead Base, FL, benefit from hair follicle tests' extended detection period. With a reach of up to 90 days, these tests provide a detailed look at a subject's substance history, aiding in informed decision-making for workplace safety and compliance.
The risk of tampering is significantly reduced with hair follicle testing in Homestead Base, FL. Unlike other methods, hair samples offer more secure and reliable results, mitigating concerns over adulteration and ensuring test integrity and trustworthiness.
With accessible locations in Homestead Base, FL, and across the nation, testing convenience is unrivaled. Our centers provide fast and straightforward access to services, ensuring testing is a smooth and hassle-free process for everyone involved.
In Homestead Base, FL, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease, addressing any apprehensions regarding the testing experience.
Our competitive pricing in Homestead Base, FL, offers superior value. With fast turnaround times, companies of all sizes can enjoy economical drug testing options without compromising on quality or peace of mind.
In Homestead Base, FL, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision. These tests rapidly detect substance use with high accuracy, outshining traditional methods. Their efficiency in delivering trustworthy results makes them a superior choice for substance detection.
Employers gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing in Homestead Base, FL. Ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies, these tests help mitigate legal risks, enhancing overall workplace safety and compliance effectively.
