Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has been recognized as an effective method for pinpointing drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and other substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair shaft as it grows. When collected near the root, hair can offer roughly a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other drug use. Obtaining hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and can be easily dispatched.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for evaluation and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen volume of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. In instances where scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair may be acquired. The term head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process includes checking that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for drugs of misuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient way to eliminate drug consumption on the majority of samples, any positive screen must be verified for it to be valid in legal contexts. Samples that are suspected to be positive in Screening require further confirmation.
In instances where a sample tests positive during the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen to proceed with Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening a more challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive outcomes from screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples suspected of being positive are washed before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing: Hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage over traditional urine tests with its enhanced detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis can detect drug use over a broader timeline, increasing reliability for employers in Moore Haven, FL.
Extended Detection Window: In Moore Haven, FL, hair follicle testing provides a valuable extended detection period of up to 90 days. This capability offers employers a thorough view of a candidate's or employee’s long-term substance use history, aiding in better hiring and management decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method: Hair follicle tests in Moore Haven, FL, significantly reduce sample adulteration risks. They provide steadfast and unquestionable results, making this method a reliable choice for accurate drug testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations: Our extensive network of testing centers across Moore Haven, FL, and beyond ensures that accessing our services is quick and straightforward, providing hassle-free testing options for everyone.
Simple, Confidential Process: Our process for ordering, taking, and receiving results in Moore Haven, FL, is straightforward and private, ensuring that individuals' concerns regarding confidentiality and ease of use are addressed effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround: In Moore Haven, FL, we offer competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times. This ensures that businesses of all sizes receive excellent value and reassurance through our testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Moore Haven, FL: Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed in detecting substance use. Their superior accuracy ensures that employers receive dependable results quickly, thus facilitating informed decision-making with minimal delay.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers: By employing hair follicle testing, Moore Haven, FL employers can ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks. This testing method contributes to a safer and compliant work environment.
