Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a lengthy record of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers in the hair strand as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage for nearly a three-month period. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp offers 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation processes. For tests such as EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is preferable. We suggest utilizing a jeweler’s scale for precise weighing of the specimen. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be sourced. References to head hair indicate scalp hair specifically. Meanwhile, body hair pertains to other types of hair (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Overview of the Process
The drug testing procedure in a lab includes four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial integration of a sample into the lab's system. It ensures the sample is appropriately sealed and shipped, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data requirements not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial, rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is economical in eliminating drug use in most samples, its positive results necessitate confirmation to be considered valid in legal settings. Samples yielding presumptive positive results in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
If the Screening stage indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. This phase involves the removal of drugs from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid). Hence, hair drug testing is among the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, any samples showing presumptive positives are cleaned as required. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Pros of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the evaluation is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in The Acreage, FL.
Extended Detection Window in The Acreage, FL.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in The Acreage, FL.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in The Acreage, FL.
Simple, Confidential Process in The Acreage, FL.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in The Acreage, FL.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in The Acreage, FL highlight the advantages of hair follicle drug tests.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in The Acreage, FL.
