Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair acts as a long-term record of substance use, capturing biomarkers in its fibers as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug usage for up to three months. It is easy to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. We refer to scalp hair exclusively when mentioning head hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result is composed of four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of introducing a sample into the lab's system. This step includes checking that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a Lab Accessioning Number (LAN) at random, and completing any necessary data entry that an electronic chain of custody system does not cover.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although this step is cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, any positive results require confirmation to be valid in court. Presumptive positive findings from Screening require additional confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are separated from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging process to carry out.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo a wash before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the College of American Pathologists' Hair designation as well as ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Palm Beach, FL: Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection capabilities. Its accuracy and reliability are second to none, providing clear insights into prolonged substance use. While urine tests are limited by their short detection windows, hair tests open up a broader scope of analysis, being more comprehensive for drug history checks.
Extended Detection Window in Palm Beach, FL: The ability to detect drug use over a prolonged duration gives employers more comprehensive insights into a candidate's or employee's past behavior. Hair follicle testing reveals drug history up to 90 days prior, presenting a detailed view of one's substance use patterns and ensuring that workplace policies align with expected behavior.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Palm Beach, FL: With hair follicle tests, one can significantly reduce the risk of sample tampering. The reliable and unquestionable results provided ensure peace of mind for those who need credible data. Unlike some traditional methods, hair testing stands strong against adulteration, securing the integrity of findings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Palm Beach, FL: The extensive network of testing centers guarantees quick and easy access to services. This wide reach ensures that everyone, regardless of location, can participate in the testing process with minimal hassle. Our services are designed for utmost convenience and efficiency.
Simple, Confidential Process in Palm Beach, FL: The procedure for ordering and receiving test results is crafted to be simple and confidential. Privacy is a top priority, and we've ensured that each step, from test initiation to the disclosure of results, is handled with discretion to address concerns about anonymity and ease of access.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Palm Beach, FL: Our competitive pricing structures and rapid result delivery offer excellent value for businesses of all sizes. By ensuring affordability, we provide peace of mind and cost-efficient testing solutions, allowing companies to prioritize employee well-being alongside fiscal responsibility.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Palm Beach, FL: Hair follicle tests deliver impressive precision and speed in detecting substance use. The analysis not only provides accurate data but does so promptly, enabling stakeholders to make well-informed decisions. With high accuracy, these tests stand out as a dependable choice for anyone seeking swift and conclusive results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Palm Beach, FL: By integrating hair follicle testing, companies can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method not only minimizes legal risks but also bolsters workplace safety. The results lend credibility and assurance, letting employers focus on productivity without being concerned about drug misuse.
