Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a lengthy history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within its growing strands. When procured near the scalp, it can offer a detection period of about 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively difficult to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp equals 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels beyond 10, a 150mg sample is advised. It is suggested to measure the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain only to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result generally involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails incorporating the sample into the laboratory’s system, ensuring it was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial quick examination for substances. While Screening is a cost-efficient method for ruling out drug use for the majority of samples, any positive result needs confirmation to be court-admissible. All samples that return a presumptive positive during Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample have a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug analysis is one of the hardest methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, presumptive positive samples undergo washing as needed. The entire progression from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as “hair follicle testsâ€, these actually analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Safety Harbor, FL
When comparing hair follicle testing with urine testing, the former proves its superiority with better detection precision. Employers in Safety Harbor benefit from this refined method as it reduces uncertainty and enhances reliability in drug testing. Detecting substances is more precise, making hair testing a favorable alternative to traditional urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Safety Harbor, FL
The capability of hair follicle tests to detect drug use spans up to a 90-day period, offering employers an in-depth view of an individual's substance habits. This attribute is vital in Safety Harbor, where understanding an applicant or employee's drug history comprehensively can be key to making informed hiring or retention decisions, setting hair tests apart from others.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Safety Harbor, FL
Hair follicle tests in Safety Harbor provide a testing method that drastically diminishes the possibility of sample tampering. The results gained from such tests are both dependable and unquestionable, providing employers and authorities in the area with a trustworthy means of evaluating drug use without the typical concerns of adulteration found in other test types.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Safety Harbor, FL
Our comprehensive network of testing sites ensures residents of Safety Harbor, FL, have easy access to necessary hair follicle testing services. With centers nationwide, the convenience offered promises a swift and straightforward process, eliminating any geographic barriers to receiving high-quality drug testing services efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Safety Harbor, FL
The protocol for hair follicle testing is straightforward and respects confidentiality, addressing any privacy worries individuals might have. From the moment testing is requested to obtaining the results, the process is designed to be smooth and private, ensuring users in Safety Harbor can feel comfortable and secure throughout.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Safety Harbor, FL
Our hair follicle testing comes with competitive pricing and expedited turnaround, guaranteeing remarkable value for businesses of various sizes in Safety Harbor. The financial feasibility and rapid results make this testing solution not only cost-effective but also a smart investment for companies seeking to maintain efficient operations.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Safety Harbor, FL
Hair follicle drug tests are widely known for their quick and precise results. This testing method is highly efficient in detecting substance use, offering Safety Harbor residents reliability in evaluation. As soon as the samples are collected, the results are processed with expediency and accuracy, ensuring that suspicions of drug use are swiftly confirmed or dispelled, leaving little room for doubt.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Safety Harbor, FL
By employing hair follicle testing, Safety Harbor employers can adhere to drug-free workplace guidelines more effectively, safeguarding against legal issues while enhancing workplace security. This testing method offers peace of mind, ensuring that all employees are in compliance with established policies and contributing to a safe, productive work environment.
