Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is considered an effective method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a repository for long-term drug and alcohol history by encasing biomarkers within the structure of the developing hair strand. When sourced close to the scalp, hair can offer an approximate detection span of 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screenings exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. It is recommended to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equal quantity of body hair can be obtained. When mentioning head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug test result process includes four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of initially processing a sample within a laboratory's system. This step verifies whether the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary rapid assessment for illicit substances. Despite Screening being an affordable method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, court compliance requires a confirmed positive screen. Any samples detecting a presumptive positive during Screening mandate a subsequent confirmation.
If a Screening stage indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is separated from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. This phase extracts substances from hair at a notably lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
Positive screening confirmations are conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests," the examination analyzes the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.
In North Lauderdale, FL, hair follicle testing is favored over urine tests because of its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection window, hair testing provides an extended period of substance use visibility, making it a more comprehensive option for assessing long-term drug use.
Urine tests primarily detect recent use, often within days, but hair tests reveal patterns up to 90 days. This broader scope of detection gives businesses and legal entities a clearer picture, enhancing decision-making.
One of the standout advantages of hair follicle testing in North Lauderdale, FL is the extended detection window. Hair tests can trace drug use for as long as 90 days, offering a thorough view of an individual’s substance history.
This extended detection is highly valuable for employers who seek a detailed understanding of an applicant’s or employee’s past behavior, thus ensuring that they make informed hiring or retention decisions based on comprehensive data.
Hair follicle testing in North Lauderdale, FL is distinguished by its tamper-resistant features. The method significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering, ensuring authenticity and accuracy in drug testing results.
Due to the nature of hair sample collection, which is performed under observation, it is nearly impossible to adulterate or substitute samples. This reliability secures the integrity of the testing, offering indisputable results.
Accredited Drug Testing facilities are conveniently located throughout the nation, with specific services available in North Lauderdale, FL. Convenient nationwide testing locations allow for quick and hassle-free access to testing services.
Whether you are local to North Lauderdale or in another city, our network of testing centers ensures you receive the required services promptly and efficiently, aligning with the highest standards of testing procedures.
Experiencing a simple and confidential process in North Lauderdale, FL for hair follicle testing is vital for many. The ordering, testing, and result retrieval processes are designed to be straightforward while maintaining confidentiality and privacy.
Our approach ensures that individuals' concerns regarding privacy and ease are thoroughly addressed, enabling a smooth and private experience from the beginning to the end of the testing process.
Accredited Drug Testing in North Lauderdale, FL offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, making our services accessible to various companies. We emphasize competitive pricing structures without compromising the quality or speed of our results.
Providing excellent value, we ensure that businesses of all sizes receive timely results, allowing them to make informed and prompt decisions about their workforce management.
With Accredited Drug Testing, you can expect fast, accurate, and reliable results from hair follicle drug tests in North Lauderdale, FL. The precision of hair testing offers a high degree of accuracy for detecting substance use, making it a preferred choice among professionals seeking dependable screening solutions.
The swiftness of obtaining results ensures that individuals can quickly move forward with decision-making processes. At our North Lauderdale centers, tests are conducted efficiently while maintaining utmost precision.
Employers in North Lauderdale, FL gain compliance and peace of mind through the use of hair follicle testing, which helps uphold workplace drug-free policies. This testing method facilitates adherence to regulatory requirements, reducing legal risks and enhancing overall safety.
Utilizing hair testing supports a transparent and reliable drug monitoring process, further safeguarding the organization's reputation while ensuring the wellbeing and productivity of employees.
