Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Merritt Island, FL

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair serves as a comprehensive log of alcohol and drug traces by securing biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide up to around a 3-month detection period for alcohol and substances. Hair collection is simple, relatively hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch trim of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for tests and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests over 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It is suggested to weigh the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair solely. Body hair pertains to all other types of hair (facial, armpit, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug testing result consists of four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the initial handling of a sample within a lab's system. This involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any extra data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening includes an initial fast assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug consumption in the majority of samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid in a legal setting. Any samples identified as potentially positive during Screening require additional confirmation.

If a sample is potentially positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is the most complex method to conduct.

Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the standards accrediting ISO / IEC 17025.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeline: Hair drug tests can identify drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection timeline.
• Difficult to manipulate: Hair drug tests are notably hard to manipulate, enhancing accuracy in results.
• Offers past usage data: It provides a sequence of drug use over time, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent consumption: It takes around 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be costlier than other drug testing techniques.
• Variabilities in results: Variables like hair color and personal hair growth differences can influence the drug metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure evaluates the hair strand not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why does hair follicle testing surpass urine testing in Merritt Island, FL? The answer lies in its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing can detect a broader range of substances over a more extended period. In contrast, urine tests may miss recent drug use patterns, making hair testing the more robust choice for comprehensive screening.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window in Merritt Island, FL, effectively tracing substance use for up to 90 days. This extended reach allows employers an in-depth view of an individual's drug use history, assisting in more informed employment decisions compared to shorter-term tests.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-resistant by design, hair follicle tests reduce the risk of adulteration significantly. In Merritt Island, FL, this method ensures that samples remain unaltered, providing employers and officials with trustworthy results that stand up to scrutiny.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Access the convenience of nationwide testing centers right in Merritt Island, FL. With numerous accessible locations, we offer swift, uncomplicated, and stress-free testing services, ensuring that fulfilling testing requirements is hassle-free and straightforward.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of hair follicle testing in Merritt Island, FL, is both simple and confidential. From ordering to testing and receiving results, our services are designed to prioritize privacy and ease, addressing any confidentiality concerns with professionalism.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our hair follicle testing services in Merritt Island, FL, are marked by affordable pricing and fast turnaround. We cater to businesses of all sizes, promising excellent value without compromising on the speed and accuracy that clients expect from their testing services.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Precision and Speed are hallmarks of hair follicle drug testing in Merritt Island, FL. The method ensures that the detection of substance use is both fast and accurate. Unlike traditional testing methods, hair tests provide reliable results in a timely manner, minimizing delay and offering quick insights into an individual's substance history.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

With hair follicle testing in Merritt Island, FL, employers can achieve compliance and peace of mind. By ensuring adherence to drug-free policies, companies mitigate legal risks and bolster overall workplace safety, fostering a secure and compliant environment for all.

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