Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly regarded as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It provides a prolonged record by capturing biomarkers within the fibers as the hair grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample length of 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, deemed the optimal amount for analysis and validation. For EtG, extra options, or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It's suggested the sample be measured on a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. 'Head hair' specifies scalp hair exclusively, while 'body hair' pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test outcomes consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the first stage in integrating a sample into the lab’s system. This entails validating that the sample is correctly sealed and shipped, attaching a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concluding any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary test for substances typically abused. This cost-efficient step can eliminate drug use in most samples, but a positive outcome requires verification for court admissibility. Thus, samples that screen positive provisionally necessitate further confirmation.
If an initial sample tests positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the sample and readied for Extraction. Here, the drugs are removed from the hair at a substantially lower concentration than through other means (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing notably challenging.
Verification of a positive screening is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptive positive undergo a wash pre-confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory evaluation, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test actually evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing in Portland, FL shows several benefits. It offers superior detection accuracy and reliability, making it a preferred choice.
Longer detection period is key, as hair tests can identify substance use for a span of up to 90 days, unlike the shorter range of urine tests. This ensures employers have a comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug history.
Hair follicle testing offers an impressive detection window, extending up to 90 days. This gives Portland, FL employers a thorough view of an individual's substance history.
Extended insight into drug use allows employers to make well-informed hiring and retention decisions. By revealing past substance use over a longer period, it provides a valuable tool for workforce management.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests ensures dependable results in Portland, FL. This method significantly lowers the chance of sample adulteration.
Reliable results are crucial, and hair tests deliver by being nearly impossible to cheat. Employers and agencies can, therefore, trust the findings, securing a robust approach to substance testing.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient nationwide locations, including Portland, FL, for fast, accessible testing services.
Local presence means quick, hassle-free access to testing facilities, ensuring that individuals and organizations can easily undergo drug testing when needed.
The process of ordering and conducting a hair follicle drug test in Portland, FL is designed to be simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns.
Ease of use accompanies this straightforward process, from request to result, ensuring a seamless experience that prioritizes confidentiality every step of the way.
Affordable pricing coupled with rapid turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Portland, FL an excellent value for businesses of all sizes.
Competitive pricing ensures accessibility, while swift results provide reassurance, offering companies a cost-effective solution that doesn't compromise on quality or speed.
The speed and precision of hair follicle drug testing make it a standout choice. In Portland, FL, this method provides high accuracy, swiftly detecting substance use with confidence.
Fast and precise, hair tests efficiently uncover drug patterns, offering reliable results that assure both employers and individuals. This level of accuracy is unparalleled, setting hair follicle testing apart from other methods.
With hair follicle testing, Portland, FL employers can ensure compliance with drug-free policies, reducing legal risks and promoting a safe workplace.
Peace of mind for employers stems from knowing they are adhering to regulations while enhancing safety. This compliant testing method bolsters workplace integrity and culture.
