Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a highly effective method for detecting substance use, including drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, this method can offer a detection period of up to 3 months for substances like drugs and alcohol. Collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for preliminary and confirmatory analysis. For EtG, additional substance tests, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to utilize a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be taken. When mentioning head hair, we mean specifically scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The process for laboratory analysis of a drug test result involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of processing a specimen within a lab's framework. This stage ensures that the sample remains sealed and was shipped appropriately, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data-entry tasks absent from electronic chain of custody systems.
Screening is a preliminary assessment to identify drugs of abuse. Although Screening is economical for ruling out drug presence in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation to be legally admissible. Any specimens showing a presumptive positive in Screening demand secondary verification.
For samples with presumptive positive outcomes in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and made ready for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are drawn out from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), emphasizing the complexity of hair drug testing.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques are employed for confirming any positive findings from Screening. Necessary presumptive positive specimens undergo washing before confirmation. This complete lab analysis process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and meets ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in South Punta Gorda Heights, FL is evident through its superior detection capabilities. Hair analysis offers greater accuracy over conventional urine tests, especially for long-term substance usage. Employers seeking thorough candidate evaluations benefit greatly, ensuring a drug-free environment by acknowledging the reliable nature of these tests.
Extended Detection Window is a pivotal advantage of hair follicle testing in South Punta Gorda Heights, FL. By analyzing hair, substances remain detectable for as long as 90 days, offering employers a detailed insight into prolonged substance use. Hair tests thus empower organizations to enforce robust substance-free workplace policies reliably.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method assures authenticity in South Punta Gorda Heights, FL. Hair follicle tests inherently lower the risk of sample tampering, offering certified and irrefutable results. This assurance is vital for entities needing steadfast testing processes to maintain workplace integrity and trust.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in South Punta Gorda Heights, FL offer unmatched accessibility for testing. Our comprehensive network of testing centers ensures enterprises can conveniently access top-tier testing services swiftly, making the process seamless and efficient for diverse needs.
Simple, Confidential Process defines our testing protocol in South Punta Gorda Heights, FL. From requesting a test to receiving results, each step remains straightforward and confidential, protecting user privacy. This approach eases potential concerns, ensuring a smooth and stress-free testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround typify our service in South Punta Gorda Heights, FL. Our competitive pricing models combined with rapid result processing deliver exceptional value, aligning with various company sizes' financial constraints, while offering quick, reassuring outcomes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results are paramount in drug testing, and hair follicle analysis excels in this regard in South Punta Gorda Heights, FL. The accuracy of hair-based testing ensures precise detection of substance use, providing fast outcomes without compromising on reliability. With efficient procedures, businesses gain trust in the veracity of the results they receive.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers are enhanced in South Punta Gorda Heights, FL with hair follicle analyses. Utilizing such tests ensures adherence to strict drug-free workplace norms, diminishing legal exposure while boosting safety. Employers enjoy tranquility, knowing they uphold stringent compliance effortlessly.
