Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as an effective means of detecting drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing offers a comprehensive overview of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the hair's fibers as it grows. When taken from near the scalp, this type of testing delivers an approximately three-month detection span for alcohol and drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, less susceptible to tampering, and simple to transport.
A slice measuring 1.5 inches containing roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) adjacent to the scalp yields approximately 100mg, which is the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's advisable to acquire 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for accurate weighing. If scalp hair isn't obtainable, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. By head hair, we mean scalp hair, whereas body hair denotes any other type (such as facial or axillary hair, etc.).
Process Overview
In the lab, the processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning step includes initially logging a sample into a laboratory system. It involves steps such as ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any necessary data not covered by an electronic chain of custody record.
Screening carries out a preliminary swift assessment for drug abuse substances. Though a cost-efficient method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen demands confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening need further affirmation.
Should a sample appear positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, drugs are removed from the hair at lower concentrations than other tests (like urine or saliva), which makes hair drug testing the hardest technique to execute.
Confirming any positive Screening outcomes is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, every process step is scrutinized following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the assessment actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why does hair follicle testing outperform traditional urine tests in Palm Coast, FL? The advantages of hair testing include superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis can effectively highlight drug use over an extended period, offering a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance history.
In Palm Coast, FL, hair follicle testing is lauded for its extended detection window. Unlike other methods, hair tests can trace drug usage for up to 90 days. This offers employers profound insights into a candidate's or employee's substance use history, fostering informed decision-making.
Hair follicle testing in Palm Coast, FL, is a tamper-resistant method. It significantly mitigates the risk of sample tampering, ensuring that the results are both reliable and beyond dispute. This method's robustness provides peace of mind for those who rely on its outcomes.
With our nationwide testing centers, including those in Palm Coast, FL, accessing drug testing services is convenient. Our extensive network ensures that individuals can easily and quickly obtain the tests they need without any added hassle, ensuring seamless service delivery.
In Palm Coast, FL, the process for hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are all handled with privacy in mind, making the experience straightforward and stress-free for all parties involved.
Competitive pricing and swift turnaround times are hallmarks of our hair follicle testing services in Palm Coast, FL. Providing both affordability and efficiency ensures excellent value, catering to companies of all sizes needing reliable testing solutions.
In Palm Coast, FL, hair follicle testing provides fast, accurate, and reliable results. This method is renowned for its precision in detecting substances, ensuring that the results are both trustworthy and timely. The high accuracy of hair tests makes them an ideal choice for those who need swift confirmation of substance usage.
Through hair follicle testing, employers in Palm Coast, FL, can ensure compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This not only reduces legal risks but also promotes a safer work environment. The assurance of compliance brings peace of mind to businesses and their employees alike.
