Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a comprehensive historical record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair's fibers. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide a detection period of up to roughly 90 days for substances like alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, with little opportunity for tampering, and easy to transport.
A small sample, 1.5 inches in length with approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil), closest to the scalp, yields 100mg, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation tests. For more specialized tests such as EtG, or for panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is suggested. To ensure accuracy, the sample should be weighed using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a similar amount of body hair is acceptable. In regard to head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory process consists of four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary handling of a sample upon entry into the laboratory’s system. This step confirms the sample's integrity and proper shipment, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data entry not supplied through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a quick initial examination for prevalent drugs. Although Screening is an economical way to eliminate most samples for drug usage, to be court-admissible, a positive result from Screening must be confirmed. Presumptively positive samples necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. At this step, drugs are extracted at significantly lower concentrations than in methodologies like urine or oral fluid testing, highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive results from Screening are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Samples showing presumptive positivity are washed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly identified as "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on analyzing the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Marco, FL
When comparing hair and urine testing, hair follicle testing stands out for its accuracy and reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Marco, FL
Hair follicle tests allow for detection of drug use over an extended period, offering a clearer view of an individual's substance use history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Marco, FL
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the chances of sample tampering, delivering trustworthy results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Marco, FL
Our widespread network of testing centers guarantees easy and efficient test accessibility.
Simple, Confidential Process in Marco, FL
Experience a straightforward and secure procedure for tests, ensuring user privacy and simplicity.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Marco, FL
Our competitive pricing makes hair follicle testing accessible without compromising quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Marco, FL
Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and rapid results. This method not only ensures quick detection but also provides high accuracy in identifying substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Marco, FL
Incorporating hair follicle testing into workplace policies helps maintain compliance with drug-free standards.
