Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair locks in biomarkers within the fibers of its growing strands, offering a long-term record of alcohol and drug use. Captured near the scalp, hair samples can reveal a detection window of up to about three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields around 100mg, the ideal specimen size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests extending beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a corresponding quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair are confined to scalp hair exclusively; body hair pertains to any other varieties (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary processing of the sample within a lab's framework. Procedures include verifying that the sample's seal and shipment were correctly executed, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any additional data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary swift evaluation for substances of abuse. Despite being cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screening outcome necessitates confirmation to hold up in legal contexts. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening demand further confirmation.
When samples register as presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction step. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at a markedly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing if deemed necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review per CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", these assessments analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Santa Rosa Beach, FL, choosing hair follicle testing over urine testing brings numerous advantages.
Hair testing is superior in reliability and detection accuracy, especially when compared to the conventional urine tests. Hair tests ensure a wider window of detection and provide more comprehensive insights into someone's substance consumption history.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing, stretching up to 90 days, offers employers in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, a comprehensive look at an individual’s drug use history. This extended period allows for better evaluation and understanding of an applicant’s or employee’s substance habits.
Hair follicle testing in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, drastically minimizes sample tampering risks.
This method ensures reliable outcomes, shielding the process from manipulative actions and guaranteeing trustworthy results that remain unchallenged.
The accessibility of nation-wide testing centers, along with our local presence in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, ensures convenience for all.
This vast network allows for quick, seamless access to testing services, removing any barriers to obtaining crucial screenings.
The process of hair follicle testing in Santa Rosa Beach, FL is designed to be simple and confidential.
From ordering to receiving results, each step is streamlined to facilitate ease of use while preserving privacy and confidentiality throughout.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Santa Rosa Beach, FL provides tremendous value to businesses of all sizes. This balance of cost-efficiency and swift service ensures financial feasibility and prompt results.
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their fast, accurate, and reliable results in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.
The precision and swift results delivered by hair follicle tests make them highly efficient in detecting substance use, ensuring that processes are both transparent and effective.
Employers in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, enjoy peace of mind knowing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies.
