Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol use. It offers a long-term record by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. If taken near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a roughly 3-month period of alcohol and drug exposure. Hair is easy to obtain, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, extra tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement is suggested. If there's no scalp hair available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four critical stages in laboratory drug test processing are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of the sample into a lab’s system. This step includes verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry that the electronic chain of custody did not provide.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive outcome must be confirmed for court validity. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For samples indicating presumptive positives at the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are separated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening result occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes a review according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often described as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle itself beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine testing in Okeechobee, FL, the advantages become apparent. Hair tests offer higher accuracy and reliability, with less susceptibility to manipulation. They provide a comprehensive detection, making them a superior choice over urine tests for many screening needs.
The long detection window of hair follicle testing in Okeechobee, FL provides an expansive view of drug use history, up to 90 days prior. This capability allows employers to gauge consistent patterns of substance use, contributing to a more thorough understanding of an individual's drug history.
Hair follicle testing in Okeechobee, FL offers a tamper-resistant method, greatly minimizing the chance of sample alteration. With a secure process, the risk of result manipulation is reduced, ensuring the results reflect genuine use behaviors, bringing peace of mind to all stakeholders involved.
Accredited Drug Testing assures convenience in Okeechobee, FL with our extensive network of testing centers nationwide. This widespread availability guarantees a seamless and quick testing process, reducing any logistical burdens for individuals or businesses needing timely testing services.
In Okeechobee, FL, the hair follicle testing process is both straightforward and private, ensuring confidentiality for all participants. From scheduling to the delivery of results, every step is user-friendly, addressing privacy concerns effectively while being easy to navigate.
Offering competitive pricing, our hair follicle testing services in Okeechobee, FL provide exceptional value. Coupled with fast turnaround times, these services cater to businesses of any size seeking cost-effective and reliable drug screening solutions, balancing quality with affordability.
Offering swift and precise outcomes, hair follicle drug tests in Okeechobee, FL stand out for their accuracy. These tests deliver dependable results quickly, capable of detecting substances with great precision. The confidence in the reliability of hair testing makes it an optimal choice for those seeking trustworthy analysis.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Okeechobee, FL helps ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It minimizes legal exposures and is a vital component in promoting a safe working environment. Employers can rest assured knowing their drug screening methods are up to standard.
