Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-term repository for alcohol and other drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can offer up to an approximately three-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample of 1.5 inches, approximately 200 strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG add-ons and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It's suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" strictly refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into the lab's system, which includes confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary quick examination for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective means to eliminate drug use concerns in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be admissible in a court setting. Any samples that appear positive during Screening need further confirmation.
If a sample tests positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction process. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are washed as required before confirmation. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under the oversight of 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 commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," this test analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in New River, FL
Hair follicle testing offers numerous advantages over traditional urine tests. These tests are superior in detecting substance use due to their wider timeline of drug visibility. Employers benefit from enhanced accuracy, reducing the chances of false negatives, while also ensuring adherence to zero-tolerance drug policies.
Hair tests boast a longer detection window, making them more reliable for identifying consistent drug use. The collected samples are harder to tamper with, ensuring authentic, accurate results, thus offering a clearer picture than urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in New River, FL
Hair follicle tests are advantageous due to their ability to uncover substance use for up to 90 days, far exceeding the detection limit of urine tests. This extended window provides employers with comprehensive insights into an individual’s substance history, making it an invaluable tool for assessing long-term habits.
Such prolonged detection ensures a wider timeframe is covered, enabling employers to make informed decisions regarding employment status based on actual substance use patterns rather than isolated incidents.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in New River, FL
The hair follicle drug test is celebrated for its low susceptibility to tampering. Due to the nature of hair testing, altering samples becomes incredibly difficult, ensuring more trustworthy and consistent results. This tamper-resistance offers immense reliability for workplaces requiring accurate substance testing.
Employers can trust that the results will be authentic and untainted, supporting the credibility of their drug-free workplace initiatives and avoiding potential issues linked to deceitful testing tactics.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in New River, FL
Access to hair follicle drug testing is made easy with our extensive network of nationwide centers, including convenient options in New River, FL. This accessibility ensures prompt and straightforward service, reducing the hassle and ensuring quick testing whenever needed.
Our strategically positioned locations offer individuals and businesses swift and efficient processing, allowing them to access top-notch testing services without inconvenience, enhancing user experiences.
Simple, Confidential Process in New River, FL
The hair follicle testing process prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering the test to collecting samples and receiving results, each step is streamlined to ensure user comfort, maintaining privacy and ease throughout the process.
Clients benefit from the straightforward nature of hair testing, as it operates under strict confidentiality standards, ensuring that sensitive information is handled safely. This approach makes drug testing less daunting and more accessible for everyone.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in New River, FL
Our hair follicle testing services boast competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, offering substantial value to companies of any size. The affordability and speed of service allow employers to obtain essential information without stretching budgets.
This economical approach ensures that quality testing is accessible to all, while the rapid reporting of results helps businesses make timely decisions, optimizing the efficiency of their employment processes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in New River, FL
Hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its precision and speedy results. Unlike other methods, it provides accurate substance detection with a high level of reliability. The process ensures that any traces of substance use are effectively identified, helping individuals and organizations make informed decisions.
With its systematic approach, hair follicle testing guarantees swift and consistent outcomes. This reliability makes it an ideal choice for those looking for trustworthy and efficient solutions in the realm of drug testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in New River, FL
Employing hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace mandates, minimizing legal challenges and fostering a safe work environment. The comprehensive results provide employers with reassurance regarding their workforce's substance-free status.
Hair testing delivers peace of mind by maintaining compliance with regulations and reinforcing the commitment to safety, protecting both the company and its employees from risks associated with drug use.
