Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands offer a lasting record of alcohol and drug use by incorporating biomarkers within the hair fibers as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can offer up to a roughly 3-month timeframe for alcohol and drug detection. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and easy to send.
A 1.5-inch sample containing approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and extensive tests above 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When we talk about head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (like facial or axillary hair, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This encompasses ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents a preliminary, efficient check for drug abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to rule out drug usage in most cases, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any samples showing presumptive positives in the Screening phase necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial batch and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation for any positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand itself, not on the follicle beneath the scalp
In Ochopee, FL, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in several aspects. Detection Accuracy: Hair testing reveals drug use that urine tests might miss.
Reliability: This testing method is consistent and less prone to tampering. While urine tests detect short-term usage, hair tests offer a comprehensive view, making them a preferred choice for many professionals and employers seeking precise results.
Extended Detection Window sets hair follicle testing apart in Ochopee, FL. With a reach of up to 90 days, this method provides a thorough mental map of an individual’s drug history. Employers gain clarity over long-term substance use, beyond the scope of typical urine tests, thus offering a more comprehensive understanding of an employee or candidate’s habits, ensuring informed recruitment and management decisions.
In Ochopee, FL, hair follicle testing is a Tamper-Resistant Method, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This approach ensures that results are both reliable and undeniable. The difficulty in altering hair specimens enhances the test's integrity, providing businesses with trustworthy results. This makes it a crucial tool for maintaining workplace safety and policy compliance.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations across Ochopee, FL make accessing hair follicle tests easy and hassle-free. Our extensive network ensures you are never far from a testing facility, ready to accommodate your schedule for swift and straightforward testing services. This accessibility supports timely testing without inconvenience, offering great support to employers and individuals alike.
The entire process of hair follicle testing in Ochopee, FL is Simple and Confidential. From ordering to completion, every step emphasizes ease and privacy. Our seamless approach ensures users can comfortably undergo testing, confident in the protection of their personal data. The user-friendly system simplifies each stage, making it an approachable choice for those concerned about discretion and simplicity.
In Ochopee, FL, we offer Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround for hair follicle testing. Our competitive pricing structure and quick result delivery provide excellent value, catering to companies small and large. By choosing our services, businesses enjoy significant savings and efficiency, ensuring both cost-effectiveness and timely insights for informed decision-making in their operations.
Fast and Precise Results are a hallmark of hair follicle testing in Ochopee, FL. Known for its accuracy, this method swiftly detects substance use, ensuring you receive dependable data. The quick turnaround time maintains the high standard, facilitating informed decisions quickly. By opting for this test, you're ensured a blend of rapid processing and top-notch accuracy, making it ideal for immediate and reliable insights.
Compliance and Peace of Mind are assured for employers in Ochopee, FL through hair follicle testing. This form of testing aligns with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal liabilities and boosting overall workplace safety. Employers benefit from the certainty that their workforce is adhering to set standards, thus fostering a secure and harmonious work environment.
