Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair can deliver an extended view of alcohol and other drugs, capturing biomarkers within the layers of the developing hair strand. When taken from near the scalp, hair can show consumption up to about a 3-month duration for alcohol and other drugs. Hair sampling is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches comprising about 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to the diameter of a #2 pencil) from the nearest point to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or assessments over 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. In situations where scalp hair is absent, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. In discussions of head hair, specifically scalp hair is meant. Body hair includes any other type (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core phases of laboratory processing for a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the start of integrating a sample into the laboratory's workflow. This step consists of confirming the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any further data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary quick assessment for drugs of concern. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, a positive outcome must be validated to be accepted in legal settings. Any samples testing presumptively positive in Screening will necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drug compounds are drawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening a challenging technique to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being labeled as "hair follicle tests", the procedure evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp.
Why Choose Hair Testing Over Urine Tests in Lakeview, FL? Hair follicle tests present clear benefits over traditional urine testing, especially in terms of accuracy and reliability. While urine tests offer a shorter detection window, hair tests provide a more extensive look into an individual's substance use history, making them exceptionally reliable for employers seeking thorough screening.
Extended Window for Detection in Lakeview, FL Hair follicle tests offer an impressive detection window, identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This expansive timeframe gives employers a thorough understanding of a prospective or current employee's substance habits, surpassing the typical limitations of urine tests.
Reliable and Tamper-Resistant Testing in Lakeview, FL The nature of hair follicle tests makes them highly tamper-resistant, providing undeniable results. This method significantly minimizes the risk of sample corruption, assuring both the tester and client of the test's integrity and reliability.
Convenient Testing Locations Across Lakeview, FL and Beyond Our extensive network of nationwide testing centers, including those in Lakeview, ensures that drug testing services are promptly accessible. This convenience allows individuals and organizations to quickly address their testing needs with minimal disruption.
Easy and Private Testing Procedures in Lakeview, FL The process for hair testing is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to testing and receiving results, the procedure is designed to address privacy concerns while maintaining ease of use, ensuring a comfortable experience for all involved.
Competitive Pricing with Speedy Results in Lakeview, FL Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, our services provide exceptional value. Companies of all sizes can benefit from economically priced testing solutions and timely results, reinforcing assurance and budgetary efficiency.
Quick and Precise Results in Lakeview, FL The hair follicle test is recognized for its rapid and reliable outcomes in substance detection. With a high level of accuracy, it can detect traces of drugs that might go unnoticed in other methods. When accuracy is key, hair tests in Lakeview surpass expectations, providing timely insights into substance use.
Maintaining Compliance and Ensuring Safety in Lakeview, FL Utilizing hair follicle testing allows employers to adhere to drug-free workplace policies, offering confidence in legal compliance and enhancing overall workplace safety. This method contributes to a secure and diligent work environment.
