Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective mechanism for identifying alcohol and drug intake. Hair captures a comprehensive record of drug and alcohol use by encasing biomarkers in the hair as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol consumption over an estimated three-month period. It is straightforward to gather, relatively tough to alter, and uncomplicated to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields about 100mg, which is the optimal amount for preliminary testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional modules, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we are specifically indicating scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test encompasses four core stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves introducing the sample into the lab’s database. This phase checks if the sample was adequately sealed and dispatched, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputs any necessary data not covered by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening entails a preliminary survey for drug presence. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug presence in most cases, a positive outcome must undergo confirmation to be legally valid. Samples that test positive during Screening proceed to a secondary confirmation.
A presumptive positive in the Screening step necessitates extracting more hair from the initial batch for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at a much-reduced concentration level than in other procedures (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methods.
Any positive outcomes from screening are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples initially testing positive go through a washing stage if needed before confirmation. The entire procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized according to the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair criteria and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though sometimes called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair itself and not the follicle beneath the surface.
In Laurel Hill, FL, hair follicle testing outperforms urine tests due to accuracy. While urine tests detect recent use, hair samples show a comprehensive history up to 90 days. This ensures reliability for employers aiming for a thorough assessment of an individual's substance use, eliminating short-term abstinence deception often associated with urine samples.
With its extended detection window, hair follicle testing in Laurel Hill, FL offers a deep insight into a subject's drug use history. Unlike urine tests, which capture short-term use, hair testing reveals substance presence for up to 90 days. This advantage is crucial for employers needing a thorough evaluation of employee drug use.
In Laurel Hill, FL, hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of tampering. The observed collection process and difficulty in altering a hair sample ensure the integrity of the results. Unlike urine samples, which can be adulterated, hair tests provide assurance and peace of mind with their tamper-resistant nature.
Accredited Drug Testing boasts numerous convenient testing locations across the U.S., including facilities in Laurel Hill, FL. Offering accessible, hassle-free testing services ensures clients can easily schedule and undergo tests at any of our nationwide centers, thus eliminating logistical challenges.
In Laurel Hill, FL, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. With easy test ordering, execution, and discreet result delivery, clients are assured of privacy and convenience. These factors address any concerns regarding confidentiality or complexity, making the process seamless.
Our competitive pricing structure and prompt result issuance make our hair follicle testing services in Laurel Hill, FL both affordable and efficient. This combination of cost-effectiveness and rapid turnaround provides great value, ensuring peace of mind for businesses of all sizes.
Residents of Laurel Hill, FL benefit from swift, precise hair follicle drug testing. By analyzing hair, which retains drug traces longer than urine, results are highly accurate in substance detection. This method's speed and dependability offer a perfect solution for employers needing quick, credible test outcomes to maintain safe workplaces.
Employers in Laurel Hill, FL gain great peace of mind and compliance benefits through hair follicle testing. This method not only helps them adhere to workplace drug-free policies, but also mitigates legal risks, contributing to a safer and more productive work environment.
