Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a historical record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers as the hair strand grows. When sourced close to the scalp, hair can indicate usage over roughly a three-month period for alcohol and other drugs. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is convenient.
A 1.5-inch portion comprising around 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimum for initial screening and confirmation. For EtG analyses, extra tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (including facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory's database. This stage involves confirming the sample was securely sealed and shipped, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any further data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial, rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug use for most samples, results require confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening are subjected to further confirmation.
In cases where a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and set for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary. The full lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In La Belle, FL, hair follicle tests demonstrate distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. With a greater detection window, from weeks to months, hair tests provide a more comprehensive assessment of substance use history. They surpass urine tests in reliability, uncovering substances that might be missed by standard testing methods.
Employers in La Belle prefer hair testing for its superior accuracy, which aids in maintaining a drug-free workplace. This method provides clarity and assurance that the drug-free policies are effectively monitored and upheld, minimizing the likelihood of false negatives compared to urine tests.
Hair follicle testing in La Belle, FL, offers an extended detection window that covers up to 90 days of drug use history. This expansive timeframe allows employers a fuller picture of an individual’s substance use behavior, rather than just a snapshot offered by urine tests.
Such extended detection is essential for businesses aiming to assess the long-term habits of current or prospective employees. It provides greater insight, enhancing hiring decisions and ensuring ongoing compliance with drug-free workplace policies.
One significant advantage of hair follicle tests in La Belle, FL, is their tamper-resistant nature. This characteristic makes them virtually cheat-proof, safeguarding against adulteration and substitution that can be more prevalent with other testing methods.
This reliability ensures the integrity of the sample and the validity of the results. It offers organizations confidence in the testing process, knowing the outcomes are authentic and indicative of actual substance use.
In La Belle, FL, accessibility to drug testing services is made easy with our nationwide and local testing locations. Accredited Drug Testing ensures a hassle-free process by offering numerous centers close by, reducing the burden of travel.
The convenience of numerous testing facilities means quick and easy access to services, facilitating swift testing procedures and prompt results. This network of locations underscores our commitment to client accessibility and convenience.
Accredited Drug Testing offers a simple and confidential process in La Belle, FL. From ordering a hair follicle test to receiving results, the procedure is streamlined to maintain privacy and ease.
Clients can trust in a discreet experience, with all stages of the process conducted with professionalism and confidentiality. This fosters peace of mind and ensures personal data is handled securely.
In La Belle, FL, our competitive pricing structures ensure that hair follicle testing services remain affordable for organizations of all sizes. Combined with fast turnaround times, it provides excellent value without compromising on quality.
Clients benefit from cost-effectiveness and quick results, optimizing their investment and enhancing decision-making processes. Our commitment to affordability guarantees accessible services for all.
In La Belle, FL, hair follicle drug tests are known for their impressive precision and rapid results. They efficiently detect substance use, offering unparalleled accuracy, which is crucial for both individuals and organizations. The testing method provides a high level of trustworthiness, ensuring that the results are dependable and reflect true substance use patterns.
The swiftness of hair follicle testing procedures, combined with their precision, renders them a preferred choice. They allow for quick decision-making processes, whether in employment settings or personal situations, without compromising the reliability of the outcome.
Employers in La Belle, FL, gain peace of mind and ensure compliance with drug-free policies by utilizing hair follicle testing. This method reduces legal risks, ensuring the workplace remains safe and drug-free, fostering a secure and productive environment.
Implementing such rigorous testing practices also demonstrates a commitment to employee welfare and regulatory adherence. It helps avoid potential legal complications, bolstering an employer's reputation and responsibility.
