Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for detecting the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair acts as a long-term record of substance exposure by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to roughly a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient to send off.
A 1.5-inch section containing around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation tests. For checking EtG, additional components, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It's prudent to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. When hair from the head is mentioned, it strictly refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, and so on).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about the initial handling of a sample in the lab’s system. This entails checking that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data entry that wasn't included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary examination for substances of abuse. Though Screening offers a cost-effective method to eliminate drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court validity. Samples that are preliminarily positive during Screening need further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive presumptively at the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (like urinalysis or oral swab), making hair drug analysis notably challenging.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptively positive sample is cleansed before Confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated against both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly addressed as "hair follicle tests", the test actually assesses the hair strand and not the scalp’s hair follicle
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Summerfield, FL
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers unmatched detection accuracy and reliability. With a longer detection window, this method ensures comprehensive analysis, making it superior for identifying substance usage patterns.
Extended Detection Window in Summerfield, FL
Hair follicle testing boasts a significantly longer detection window, up to 90 days. It offers employers a thorough perspective on a candidate's or employee's drug-use history, making it a powerful evaluation tool.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Summerfield, FL
Hair follicle testing stands out for its tamper-resistant nature. It significantly minimizes the potential for sample adulteration, thereby providing reliable and unquestionably valid test results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Summerfield, FL
Our nationwide network of testing centers offers convenience, ensuring you have quick and hassle-free access to testing services when needed.
Simple, Confidential Process in Summerfield, FL
Experience a straightforward and confidential process for ordering, conducting, and receiving drug test results. This ensures privacy, addressing any concerns while maintaining ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Summerfield, FL
We offer competitive pricing structures accompanied by fast turnaround times, providing exceptional value and peace of mind to businesses of all sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Summerfield, FL
Hair follicle testing is recognized for its precision and speed in providing results. These tests offer high accuracy levels in detecting substance use, ensuring that those tested can be confident in the result's reliability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Summerfield, FL
Using hair follicle testing helps employers ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and boosting safety within the work environment.
