Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a potent method for detecting alcohol and drug consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers, hair offers an extended record of alcohol and drug use. When gathered near the scalp, it can reveal a history of up to 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to post.
A 1.5-inch hair sample, comprising approximately 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil), provides around 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We advocate measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't obtainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. In our context, head hair refers strictly to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four principal phases in processing a drug test outcome in the laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is integrated into the lab's system. This involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any extra data input not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid drug abuse check. It provides a cost-effective approach to rule out drug usage in most samples, but any positive screening result requires confirmation to be legally admissible. Any samples with an initially positive screening result need a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample yields a preliminary positive result during Screening, additional hair from the original sample is readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are removed from the hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair testing one of the most complex methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples identified as presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests", these tests actually assess the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the skin.
In Okahumpka, FL, the advantages of hair follicle testing overshadow traditional urine testing. The superior detection accuracy of hair tests means substances stay traceable far better than in urine samples. This thoroughness provides a more reliable assessment, ensuring that no recent drug use goes unnoticed.
Hair follicle testing in Okahumpka, FL, excels in revealing prolonged histories of drug use, typically up to 90 days back. This extended detection time allows employers to gain a more detailed understanding of an individual’s substance use history, offering better insights than other testing options.
In Okahumpka, FL, hair follicle tests significantly lower the chance of adulteration. Their method of collection and analysis provides results that are both reliable and resistant to tampering, ensuring that the outcomes are trustworthy and unambiguous for all parties involved.
With convenient nationwide and local testing sites in Okahumpka, FL, accessing testing services is straightforward and hassle-free. Our widespread network ensures that you have quick and easy access to our facilities, making the testing process smooth and accessible wherever you are.
The hair follicle testing process in Okahumpka, FL, is simple and confidential, addressing the concerns of privacy with ease. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that clients experience minimal inconvenience while maintaining discretion.
In Okahumpka, FL, our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times provide excellent value, regardless of company size. We ensure affordability without compromising on quality or accuracy, making drug testing accessible and stress-free for all organizations.
The precision and quick turnaround of hair follicle drug tests make them a preferred choice in Okahumpka, FL. Their high accuracy ensures that any traces of substance use are reliably detected. Unlike other methods, these tests provide fast results, lending to better decision-making and peace of mind.
Employers in Okahumpka, FL, can achieve compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. By aligning with workplace drug-free policies, companies can minimize legal risks and enhance safety, ensuring that the working environment remains secure and productive for everyone.
