Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has gained recognition as a vital approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can yield an approximately 3-month window of detection for alcohol and other drugs. It is easy to collect, challenging to adulterate, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample, consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not obtainable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. Reference to head hair specifies scalp hair only, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages involved in the laboratory processing of a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial entry of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step verifies the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary swift check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective means to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen needs confirmation for court admissibility. All samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample appears positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the test in reality analyzes the hair strand instead of the hair follicle under the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Memphis, FL, the benefits are clear. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy, with a longer history of drug usage being visible. Unlike urine tests that capture recent use, hair tests provide a comprehensive look at an individual’s substance use over a more extended period, ensuring reliable information and reducing the risk of misinformation.
Hair follicle testing in Memphis, FL stands out with its extended detection window, capturing drug use over the past 90 days. This far exceeds the capabilities of urine tests, which typically detect recent use. This extensive timeframe allows employers a better understanding of a potential hire or employee's drug history, making informed decisions easier.
Memphis, FL benefits from hair follicle tests due to their tamper-resistant nature. Traditional testing methods face the risk of tampering, but hair testing nearly eliminates this concern. By reducing the chance of sample adulteration, results remain consistent and reliable, concluding the process with unquestionable accuracy.
With numerous locations across Memphis, FL, Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient access to professional testing services. Our national network of facilities guarantees speedy and straightforward testing arrangements, making the process seamless for individuals and businesses alike. Accessibility is a hallmark of our nationwide and local presence.
Clients and businesses in Memphis, FL appreciate our simple and confidential process for drug testing. From the initial order to taking the test and receiving the results, we prioritize privacy and ease of use. Concerns regarding confidentiality are addressed thoroughly, ensuring a stress-free experience throughout.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, our services in Memphis, FL provide exceptional value. Our competitive rates enable companies of any size to access high-quality testing without financial strain. Quick result processing further enhances client satisfaction, delivering timely information efficiently.
In Memphis, FL, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision with which these tests can identify substance use far surpasses other methods.Quick and efficient, they allow individuals and organizations to receive results swiftly. Further, their high accuracy ensures that the detection is trustworthy, offering peace of mind with the results.
Incorporating hair follicle testing into workplace procedures in Memphis, FL ensures adherence to drug-free policies, bringing peace of mind. By emphasizing compliance, it mitigates legal issues while concurrently promoting a safe work environment. Employers can rest assured that their policies are effectively maintained with dependable testing methods.
