Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term archive of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When collected from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient for shipping.
An ideal 1.5-inch sample comprises approximately 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil), located nearest to the scalp, providing 100mg, which is the ideal sample amount for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. In cases where scalp hair is not available, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to only scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other types (such as facial and underarm hair).
Process Overview
The procedure for processing a drug test result in a laboratory consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase that involves integrating a sample into the laboratory’s system. This entails checking that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry that the electronic chain of custody system did not provide.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is economically efficient for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid for judicial processes. Any samples that return a presumptive positive in Screening mandatorily need a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity in the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the initial specimen in preparation for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are extracted from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (such as urine or saliva), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary before confirmation. The whole laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Sunset, FL, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. Hair testing provides superior detection accuracy and reliability, making it the preferred choice for employers seeking thorough assessments of substance use. Its longer detection window and tamper-resistant nature surpasses the limitations of urine testing.
One remarkable benefit of hair follicle testing in Sunset, FL, is its extended detection window. This method can identify drug use over a period of up to 90 days, offering employers a more detailed view of a candidate’s or employee's substance history, thereby assisting in better decision-making.
In Sunset, FL, hair follicle testing presents a tamper-resistant method for drug screening. This testing reduces the risk of sample adulteration, delivering trustworthy and indisputable results that assure accuracy and integrity in the testing process.
Our convenient nationwide testing locations, including those in Sunset, FL, facilitate easy access to hair follicle drug testing services. This widespread availability ensures that tests are conducted efficiently and without unnecessary hassle for all parties involved.
The process of ordering and undergoing hair follicle testing in Sunset, FL, is both simple and confidential. Prioritizing privacy and ease of use, clients can trust in a seamless experience from initial contact to receiving results without concerns for confidentiality breaches.
Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Sunset, FL, offer excellent value. Whether for small businesses or large companies, the cost-effectiveness and speed provide peace of mind and a solid return on investment.
Hair follicle drug tests in Sunset, FL, ensure fast and accurate results. Their precision in identifying substance use makes them a reliable choice. The speed with which results are delivered allows both employers and individuals to make informed decisions promptly.
Employers in Sunset, FL, experience increased compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. Ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies reduces legal risks and promotes a safer work environment, benefiting both employers and employees.
