Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a formidable method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a repository of long-term consumption, capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for up to about three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and easy to send.
A 1.5-inch sample, comprising around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimum quantity for both screening and affirmation. For EtG, additional testing, or panels exceeding ten, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, a proportional quantity of body hair can be used. When referencing head hair, it specifically denotes scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all remaining hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test outcome comprises four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory's system. This process includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and conducting any additional data input not incorporated by an electronic chain of custody solution.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of misuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug usage for the majority of samples, a positive result needs verification for court acceptability. Samples that presumptively test positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging technique to execute.
Affirmation of any positive Screening result is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as warranted. The end-to-end laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing is Superior - In Spring Ridge, FL, opting for hair testing over urine allows for an extended detection period. Hair tests uncover historical substance use better than urine tests, which only capture recent usage. Hair tests provide comprehensive insights, ensuring the information is both accurate and trustworthy.
Extended Detection Window - The distinct advantage of hair follicle testing in Spring Ridge, FL, lies in its capability to reveal substance use over 90 days. This extensive detection period ensures that employers gain a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance history for a well-rounded evaluation.
Tamper-Resistant Assurance - Hair follicle tests reduce the likelihood of sample tampering in Spring Ridge, FL. The method ensures only genuine samples are tested, delivering dependable and unquestionable results. This brings confidence in the integrity of the collected data.
Convenient Testing Access - Spring Ridge, FL benefits from our nationwide network of testing centers. These locations offer quick and easy access to testing services, making the process straightforward and stress-free from coast to coast.
Simple, Confidential Process - In Spring Ridge, FL, the process for ordering and receiving hair test results is both straightforward and discreet. With privacy at the forefront, the system ensures ease for users while respecting their confidentiality.
Affordable and Swift - Businesses in Spring Ridge, FL benefit from our competitive pricing and fast results with hair follicle tests. The tests offer exceptional value and peace of mind to employers seeking economical and expedited services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable - In Spring Ridge, FL, hair follicle tests are celebrated for their precision and speed. They offer high accuracy in substance detection by analyzing the hair. These tests quickly deliver results, making them a preferred choice for any situation where timely and dependable outcomes are paramount.
Compliance and Peace of Mind - For employers in Spring Ridge, FL, hair follicle testing aids in maintaining workplace safety and ensures adherence to drug-free policies. Employers reduce potential legal risks and foster a safer, more compliant work environment.
