Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments are now regarded as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the base of the scalp, hair can provide a detection timeframe of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion comprising about 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample size for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or examinations beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair may be obtained. When referring to head hair, it specifically denotes scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug testing result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, providing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient means to discount drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be substantiated for court acceptability. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening require secondary verification.
If a sample tests preliminarily positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are withdrawn from hair at much lower concentrations than with other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positivity are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory activity from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted in compliance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The procedure commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests" actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle underneath the scalp
In Largo, FL, the benefits of hair follicle testing over urine testing are clear. Hair tests offer extended detection durations compared to urine tests, tracking drug use over a longer timeframe. This leads to heightened accuracy and dependability, making hair testing the preferred choice for employers and officials who prioritize reliable detection of drug use.
Hair follicle testing provides a significant advantage in detecting drug use over an extensive period of up to 90 days. In Largo, FL, this prolonged detection window offers employers a thorough overview of an individual's substance use history, presenting a comprehensive picture for assessing potential hires or current employees.
In Largo, FL, hair follicle testing stands out for its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other testing methods, the likelihood of altering or compromising the sample is minimized. This strengthens the test’s credibility, offering dependable and irrefutable results that cannot be easily manipulated or deceived.
Convenience is key in Largo, FL, where numerous testing centers ensure that accessing hair follicle drug testing is hassle-free. With a nationwide network, getting tested is swift and straightforward, making it easy for individuals and companies to utilize testing services without delay.
In Largo, FL, the process of hair follicle testing is designed to be both simple and confidential. From ordering to result reception, each step prioritizes user privacy and ease, addressing concerns around transparency and ensuring a seamless user experience from start to finish.
With competitive prices and rapid turnaround times, our hair follicle testing in Largo, FL delivers exceptional value to businesses of all sizes. The affordable pricing structure ensures that precise and timely results are accessible, offering peace of mind and budget-friendly solutions for employers.
The efficiency and precision of hair follicle drug tests in Largo, FL are paramount. These tests are renowned for their reliability in detecting substance use, even from months earlier, ensuring accurate results. The rapid turnaround time combined with high accuracy makes them a top choice for those seeking prompt and dependable drug testing options.
Employers in Largo, FL can rest assured with hair follicle testing as it supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This testing method enhances workplace safety and mitigates legal risks, providing peace of mind to employers committed to maintaining a compliant and secure work environment.
