Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol ingestion. This is because hair retains a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When hair is collected close to the scalp, it is capable of offering a detection timeline of up to around 90 days for both alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of roughly 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) taken nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, or exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be sourced. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four core stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's system. This process includes confirming the sample's secure sealing and correct shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any further data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial test to identify drugs of abuse. Though Screening provides a cost-efficient method to rule out the use of drugs in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any samples that screen as presumptively positive need further confirmation.
When a specimen appears presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is among the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of a positive Screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is subjected to reviews under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and conforms to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis pertains to the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine tests, Lake Worth Corridor, FL, shows why it's often the favored method. Hair tests detect a wider range of illicit substances with improved accuracy.
Employers in Lake Worth Corridor, FL, benefit from the expanded detection window offered by hair follicle tests. These tests trace drug use up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive substance use overview.
In Lake Worth Corridor, FL, hair follicle tests excel in being tamper-resistant, minimizing adulteration risks and ensuring authentic results.
Offering comprehensive access, our testing services in Lake Worth Corridor, FL, are supported by convenient nationwide centers.
In Lake Worth Corridor, FL, hair follicle testing is simple yet confidential, designed to protect user privacy.
Lake Worth Corridor, FL, enjoys competitive pricing and fast results with our hair follicle testing services.
In Lake Worth Corridor, FL, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their swift and dependable results. Unlike other methods, they offer high precision in revealing substance use.
Hair follicle testing plays a pivotal role in ensuring workplace safety and compliance in Lake Worth Corridor, FL. By enforcing drug-free policies, employers gain peace of mind.
