Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now viewed as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by securing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is uncomplicated, relatively tamper-resistant, and easily transported.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches from about 200 strands of hair (comparable to a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or analyses beyond 10 panels, a total of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is missing, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of processing a sample into a lab system. This step ensures the sample is sealed and dispatched correctly, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a preliminary rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. While it is cost-efficient for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive finding in Screening must be confirmed for court acceptability. Presumptive positive specimens in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a specimen be presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a notably lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives are washed before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," these tests examine the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Pineda, FL, hair follicle tests outperform traditional urine tests in key areas. They offer a vastly superior detection window, maintaining accuracy over weeks, thus providing a more reliable picture of drug use history. The result? An effective, almost non-cheatable method of identifying long-term substance use.
Extended Detection Windows offer significant advantages. In Pineda, FL, hair testing can expose drug use over 90 days, giving employers a thorough look into an individual's substance history. This prolonged timeline enables more informed decisions based on comprehensive data.
A Tamper-Resistant Method is vital in drug testing. Hair follicle tests minimize the risk of sample adulteration. In Pineda, FL, this form of testing offers trustworthy results, significantly reducing the possibility of deceit, unlike more traditional testing methods.
With Nationwide Testing Centers, accessing drug testing is straightforward in Pineda, FL. Our expansive network offers convenient local facilities, ensuring a quick and hassle-free testing experience, increasing accessibility for all.
A Simple and Confidential Process ensures our service is user-friendly in Pineda, FL. From ordering to receiving results, privacy is a priority, making the entire procedure seamless and discreet, addressing all privacy concerns effectively.
Offering Cost-effective Pricing and rapid turnaround, our services are a great value in Pineda, FL. We cater to businesses of all sizes, providing swift results which deliver peace of mind and an excellent return on investment.
Fast and Precise Results are crucial for effective drug testing. In Pineda, FL, hair follicle tests quickly deliver accurate outcomes. We've set a high standard in detection technology, ensuring near-immediate yet detailed analysis, identifying substance use with extremely high certainty.
Ensuring Compliance with workplace drug-free policies is paramount for employers in Pineda, FL. Hair follicle testing helps enforce these policies, reducing legal risks and fostering a safer workplace. This method provides a sense of security and compliance confidence for employers.