Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers in the fibers as the hair grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically talking about scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for processing a drug test result in a lab encompasses four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning concerns the initial processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This involves ensuring that the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening carries out a preliminary fast check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples appearing presumptively positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample appears presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are drawn from hair at a lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Ponce de Leon, FL
In the realm of drug tests, hair follicle analysis emerges superior to urine testing in terms of accuracy and reliability. Compared to traditional urine tests, hair tests boast a more comprehensive detection window, capturing substance use over longer periods. This advantage is invaluable to employers scrutinizing drug histories, ensuring a meticulous and thorough evaluation process.
Extended Detection Window in Ponce de Leon, FL
Hair follicle testing offers an impressive detection window of drug usage, spanning up to 90 days. This significant timeframe enables employers to gain a broader perspective on an individual’s substance use history, ensuring confidence in hiring decisions. The extended detection ensures a robust assessment, pivotal for maintaining a drug-free workplace culture.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ponce de Leon, FL
Hair follicle tests stand out for their resilience against tampering, delivering trustworthy and verifiable outcomes. Unlike urine tests, which are prone to manipulation, hair tests are safeguarded against adulteration, ensuring the authenticity of the sample. This strength is crucial for organizations seeking uncompromisable and definitive drug testing results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local in Ponce de Leon, FL
Our network of nationwide testing centers, including local facilities in Ponce de Leon, guarantees straightforward and swift access to drug testing services. This extensive reach underscores our commitment to providing easy and efficient testing procedures for individuals and businesses alike, reducing logistical hurdles and expediting the testing process significantly.
Simple, Confidential Process in Ponce de Leon, FL
The procedure for ordering, completing, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is simplified and discreet, prioritizing user privacy. These tests are designed to be user-friendly, addressing confidentiality concerns and ensuring a seamless experience for all involved. The streamlined process is an assurance of both privacy and convenience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ponce de Leon, FL
Our competitive pricing structures combined with rapid turnaround times offer excellent value for companies, big or small. By providing cost-effective testing options without compromising on quality, we ensure peace of mind and financial practicality, supporting businesses in maintaining their drug-free policies efficiently.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ponce de Leon, FL
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests make them a preferred choice for detecting substance abuse with high accuracy. These tests are scientifically validated to ensure the most reliable outcomes, providing rapid feedback for employers. As a trusted method for identifying drug usage, they offer unmatched accuracy and efficiency, proving indispensable in professional environments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ponce de Leon, FL
Utilizing hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free strategies, ensuring adherence to legal obligations and fostering a secure working environment. The integration of this testing method mitigates legal risks and amplifies safety measures, granting employers peace of mind. Embracing hair tests substantiates a commitment to regulatory compliance and workforce protection.
