Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the fibers of a growing hair strand, hair provides a comprehensive timeline of substance use. If obtained near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a three-month window for detecting the presence of drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) next to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the preferred amount for evaluation and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or analyses beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. The specimen should be measured using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be accessible, a similar quantity of body hair may be obtained. "Head hair" specifically means scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four essential stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is processed into the lab’s system. This step involves ensuring the sample was effectively sealed and dispatched, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method for negating drug use in the majority of cases, a positive screen must undergo confirmation to be legally acceptable. Any samples that presumptively test positive in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptively positive result during Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction process. At this juncture, drugs are retrieved from hair at a significantly lower concentration than alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS is employed to confirm any positive Screening outcomes. Every sample showing presumptive positivity is cleaned before confirmation if required. From Accessioning through to Confirmation, the entire laboratory procedure is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair qualification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in South Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, is evident. Hair tests offer unmatched accuracy and reliability, ensuring comprehensive drug detection that surpasses traditional methods. By identifying substances over a longer period, hair testing provides a clearer picture of an individual's drug use history.
Extended Detection Window is a key advantage of hair follicle testing in South Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. This method detects drug use up to 90 days back, providing employers with a broader view of an individual’s substance use history. Such comprehensive screening is invaluable for making informed hiring and employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method ensures the reliability of hair follicle tests in South Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. The tests are resistant to manipulation, securing sample integrity. This makes them a trusted choice, as any attempt at adulteration is extraordinarily difficult.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations complement our South Ponte Vedra Beach, FL services, offering accessibility and convenience. With a robust network of testing centers, clients enjoy seamless access to drug testing services locally and across the country, promoting hassle-free service.
Simple, Confidential Process for hair follicle testing is a hallmark of our services in South Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. The process is straightforward and protects client privacy from start to finish. Ensuring ease of use and confidentiality is our top priority, from ordering to receiving results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround are central to our offerings in South Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Competitively priced, our hair follicle testing services are designed to deliver swift outcomes without compromising quality, providing substantial value and reassurance for businesses of all sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results are what define hair follicle drug tests in South Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Known for their precision, these tests swiftly and accurately detect substances, offering unmatched reliability. By minimizing false positives and negatives, they set the standard in drug testing accuracy.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers is achieved through hair follicle testing in South Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. By utilizing these tests, employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies, diminish legal exposure, and bolster workplace safety, thereby ensuring a secure and compliant work environment.
