Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture a lasting record of drug and alcohol traces by embedding biomarkers within its developing fibers. When taken close to the scalp, hair may offer a detection period of roughly 3 months for substances. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of about 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, the optimal quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent volume of body hair could be used. The term head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processes a drug test result through four chief stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is incorporated into a lab’s system. It involves ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody setup.
Screening offers a preliminary drug abuse assessment. While a cost-effective measure to eliminate drug use in most cases, a positive screening result necessitates confirmation to stand in legal scenarios. Samples indicating potential positive results in Screening mandate a secondary verification.
Should a sample result as potentially positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample and processed for Extraction. In this process, drugs are isolated from hair in a much weaker concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), hence why hair drug testing is considered highly complex.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples deemed potentially positive undergo a wash before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly named "hair follicle tests", these analyses evaluate the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Titusville, FL
Hair follicle testing offers numerous advantages over conventional urine tests. Its superior detection capabilities provide more reliable results. This method is less susceptible to manipulation and covers a longer detection window, offering a clearer picture of an individual's drug use history, crucial for employers making critical hiring decisions.
Extended Detection Window in Titusville, FL
The ability of hair follicle tests to detect drug use over a period of up to 90 days gives employers in Titusville a comprehensive understanding of an applicant or employee's substance usage history. This allows for better-informed decisions, ensuring a safer work environment by identifying habitual drug users effectively.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Titusville, FL
One of the most significant advantages of hair follicle testing is its resistance to sample tampering. In Titusville, this method ensures reliable and unquestionable results. The collection process is meticulously monitored, greatly diminishing the risk of adulteration, thus maintaining the integrity of the test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Titusville, FL
Testing for drugs is made convenient with our extensive network of nationwide and local testing centers in Titusville, FL. Accessible and hassle-free, you can quickly obtain the necessary tests without delay, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for all your drug testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Titusville, FL
Our hair follicle testing process in Titusville is designed to be simple while maintaining confidentiality. This straightforward approach ensures individuals feel at ease during the entire process, from ordering to receiving results, reinforcing the importance of privacy and trust in drug testing procedures.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Titusville, FL
With competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, our hair follicle testing in Titusville offers great value for companies of all sizes. Quick results coupled with cost-effectiveness make us an ideal choice for businesses seeking thorough and economical drug testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Titusville, FL
Hair follicle drug tests stand out with their exceptional precision in identifying substance use. Their ability to deliver swift results makes them a top choice in Titusville, ensuring employers receive the information they need promptly. The high accuracy rate of hair testing plays a vital role in making informed decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Titusville, FL
Employers in Titusville benefit from the compliance assurance offered by hair follicle testing. This method reduces legal risks by enforcing workplace drug-free policies and promotes a safer work environment. Peace of mind is achieved knowing that substance use is managed effectively within the organization.