Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Panama City, FL

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair archives a long-term record of drug and alcohol markers by encapsulating them in the fibers of the developing hair strand. When samples are taken near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month detection horizon for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimum amount for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair may be gathered. References to head hair are specific to scalp hair only, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the sample's initial integration into a laboratory's system. This step includes ensuring proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing information not available through an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While this method is cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified for legal admissibility. Samples that appear positive in Screening require further confirmation.

If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample to proceed to Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower levels compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most complex methodologies.

Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicated as presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests can identify drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have shorter detection spans.
• Hard to falsify: Hair drug tests are challenging to deceive, enhancing the accuracy of results.
• Tracks usage patterns: Capable of indicating a history of drug use over time, rather than just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Limited detection of recent use: Drugs need 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Hair color and individual differences in hair growth may influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Despite being known as "hair follicle tests", the assessment involves analyzing the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Panama City, FL, the debate between hair follicle testing and urine testing leans favorably towards hair analysis. Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. With a detection window of up to 90 days, it outperforms urine tests, which are limited in scope.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair follicle testing, up to 90 days, makes it an ideal choice in Panama City, FL. Unlike urine tests, hair tests give a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history. This longer detection span aids employers in understanding the substance habits of current or potential employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Panama City, FL, hair follicle testing stands out as a tamper-resistant testing method. This method significantly reduces chances of sample adulteration, offering results that are both reliable and undisputable. Various organizations prefer this method due to its stringent sample handling processes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Panama City, FL, residents benefit from our convenient nationwide testing locations. With centers available across the country, accessing testing services is quick and hassle-free. This wide network ensures that clients have seamless and straightforward experiences when seeking testing services.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process in Panama City, FL, is characterized by a simple, confidential process. Our order, testing, and results delivery system prioritizes privacy, making it easy for clients. This straightforward procedure ensures confidentiality, addressing the concerns of those undergoing testing.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our services in Panama City, FL, are renowned for affordable pricing and fast turnaround. We emphasize providing excellent value to businesses of all sizes through competitive pricing structures and swift result delivery, ensuring quality service at a reasonable cost.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Panama City, FL, hair follicle drug tests are recognized for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. This method's precision allows for high accuracy in identifying substance use. As a result, businesses and organizations depend on this testing for its superior performance in determining drug usage.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

The use of hair follicle testing in Panama City, FL, provides compliance and peace of mind for employers. By adhering to workplace drug-free policies, businesses drastically minimize legal ramifications and bolster workplace safety. This assures employers of maintaining a safe working environment.

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