Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Seen as a potent method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption, hair testing captures a long-range record of what an individual has used by embedding biomarkers within the fiber of growing strands. When collected near the scalp, hair offers an approximately three-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. The process of hair collection is straightforward, with minimal risk of adulteration, and it is easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch lock of roughly 200 hair strands, akin in size to a #2 pencil and located nearest the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation processes. For tests like EtG extensions or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the hair specimen is advised. It is recommended to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair can be obtained. Note that when referring to head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types, such as facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome consists of four critical phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample first enters the laboratory’s system. This phase ensures the sample’s correct sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data entry missing from the electronic chain of custody.
Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although a cost-effective measure to dismiss drug use in most cases, any positive results from the Screening must undergo confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Any Screening phase sample that shows positive signs requires an additional confirmation step.
In the event of a presumptive positive in the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the original sample to prepare for the Extraction phase. This phase involves removing drugs from the hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening among the most challenging testing methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive outcomes from the Screening phase employs methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before Confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as needed. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is consistent with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often mislabeled as “hair follicle tests,†the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in South Sarasota, FL: Hair testing offers unmatched detection accuracy and consistency compared to urine tests. Its significant benefit is the extended detection period that gives a detailed history, ensuring reliable insights.
This testing method is ideal for discerning ongoing substance use amidst applicants or employees, presenting multidimensional insight into drug habits.
Extended Detection Window in South Sarasota, FL: Hair follicle tests feature an extensive detection timeline, up to 90 days, offering a broad overview of an individual's substance use history. This long-term detection capability grants employers and authorities the clarity they require to determine substance habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in South Sarasota, FL: The structure of hair tests enhances result authenticity by minimizing the potential for tampering. It secures the integrity of samples, negating manipulation, thus solidifying the trustworthiness of findings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in South Sarasota, FL: Accessing testing facilities is seamless with a vast network spread nationwide alongside local centers in South Sarasota. This comprehensive location availability ensures testing processes are swift and straightforward.
Simple, Confidential Process in South Sarasota, FL: The ease and confidentiality of hair testing are paramount. From ordering to result reception, the entire procedure maintains discretion, fostering user confidence and satisfaction with private handling throughout.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in South Sarasota, FL: Competitive costs and rapid result processing characterize hair follicle testing services. Businesses experience excellent value, benefiting from the economically viable options blended with swift turnaround times that assure operational continuity.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in South Sarasota, FL: Quick and detailed results characterize hair follicle drug testing. The method excels in precision, effortlessly identifying substance use with a high degree of reliability. Users benefit from prompt delivery of dependable data, crucial for informed decision-making.
South Sarasota, FL particularly values these tests for their rapid processing times and thorough analytics.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in South Sarasota, FL: Employing hair follicle testing fortifies workplace drug policies compliance, diminishing legal threats while boosting safety. Employers receive indisputable assurance from a robust method that generates peace of mind.
