Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a record for long-term substance exposure by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection range for alcohol and drug presence. It's straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or assessments beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be obtained. References to head hair specifically pertain to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other varieties (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory steps for processing a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This stage validates that the sample was securely sealed and correctly dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputs any supplementary data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary analysis for substances of abuse. Although it provides a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening need a secondary verification.
Should a Screening result be presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Outshines Urine Testing in Plantation, FL is evident in its superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing provides a comprehensive detection timeline, extending its accuracy beyond a short window. This extended detection furnishes an extensive substance use profile, superiorly enhancing the reliability of results and giving a more thorough understanding of one's substance history.
Extended Detection Capabilities in Plantation, FL with hair follicle testing offer employers a more profound insight, with a detection range up to 90 days. This longer window provides a fuller picture of an individual's substance habits, surpassing the brief detection periods afforded by other tests. By capturing a more extensive timeline of drug use, businesses can make carefully informed decisions based on a complete profile.
Secure and Tamper-Resistant Testing Methods implemented in Plantation, FL, reduce the chance of sample manipulation dramatically. Hair follicle testing’s resilience against adulteration means it delivers unquestionable and reliable results. By nearly eliminating the risk of tampering, the integrity of the sample remains intact, ensuring a trustworthy outcome that businesses and individuals can depend upon.
Convenient Testing Centers Nationwide including those in Plantation, FL, ensure easy access to testing services. This broad network allows for hassle-free and swift testing, making the process convenient for individuals and businesses. Local and nationwide coverage means tests can be conducted with ease and efficiency, providing a streamlined approach to essential testing services.
Effortless and Confidential Procedures in Plantation, FL make ordering, undertaking, and obtaining results straightforward and private. The process is designed to maintain the confidentiality of individuals, addressing privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use. This simple approach enables a smooth testing experience, reinforcing trust and reliability.
Competitive Pricing and Quick Turnarounds in Plantation, FL offer companies tremendous value without compromises. Our affordable rates combined with our fast turnaround times ensure high-quality results at a manageable cost. This balance of economy and efficiency makes it accessible for organizations of any scale, promoting a cost-effective approach to drug testing.
Speedy and Precise Results are pivotal for drug testing in Plantation, FL. Hair follicle tests shine by rendering accurate detection swiftly. The precision inherent in these tests ensures that substance use is reliably identified, providing a clear view into an individual's substance usage patterns, all without compromising on speed. This swift process aids in making informed decisions without delays, benefiting employers and individuals alike.
Compliance and Assurance for Employers in Plantation, FL emphasize the value of hair follicle testing in maintaining drug-free workplace adherence. By utilizing these tests, companies can mitigate legal risks and enhance workplace safety, fostering a secure environment. The compliance assured through these tests offers employers peace of mind, knowing their drug-free policies are strictly upheld.
