Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When extracted near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to about 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. It is easy to obtain, moderately resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The core stages in processing a drug test within a laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the first phase of integrating a sample into a lab’s system. This process ensures the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes an initial rapid assessment for drugs of misuse. Screening is a budget-friendly method to eliminate drug use for most samples, but a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that register as presumptively positive during Screening must undergo a confirmatory test.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is pulled from the original sample for preparation in the Extraction phase. Drugs are drawn from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid testing, making hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS, with all presumptive positives washed before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually involves the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
The advantages of hair follicle testing over urine tests are clear, particularly in Trinity, FL. While urine tests offer quick results for short-term detection, hair testing excels in reliability and extended detection periods, spanning up to 90 days. These characteristics make it a robust option for employers seeking more comprehensive screening.
Hair follicle testing in Trinity, FL, provides an unmatched detection window, effectively revealing drug use over a span of 90 days. Employers gain a deeper understanding of an individual’s substance use history, making it easier to make informed decisions regarding hiring and ongoing employment. This extended period is unparalleled in other testing methods.
In Trinity, FL, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests offers a significant advantage over other methods. Reducing the risk of sample tampering, this method provides employers with dependable and conclusive results. The methodology behind hair testing ensures the integrity of the sample remains intact, making it a preferred choice for accuracy.
With testing centers conveniently located across the nation, including in Trinity, FL, accessing hair follicle testing services is both swift and uncomplicated. Our network ensures that individuals can find a center nearby, facilitating easy appointment scheduling and minimizing travel, thus streamlining the entire testing process.
In Trinity, FL, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and private. From ordering the test to receiving results, each step is designed to protect client confidentiality. This commitment extends to eliminating any unnecessary complications, ensuring that the experience is as seamless and worry-free as possible for users.
Affordable pricing and quick turnaround times define our hair follicle testing services in Trinity, FL. Catering to businesses of any size, our competitive pricing offers substantial value, while our efficient processes guarantee that results are delivered rapidly, supporting expedited decision-making and peace of mind.
Hair follicle drug testing in Trinity, FL, delivers swift and precise outcomes, providing a reliable measure of substance use. Its high accuracy in identifying drug presence ensures that employers obtain clear and dependable results. The process is engineered for rapid turnaround without compromising on the thoroughness of the analysis, an indispensable advantage over conventional testing methods.
For employers in Trinity, FL, hair follicle testing helps ensure compliance with drug-free workplace requirements. This method not only reduces potential legal hurdles but also enhances overall workplace safety. Implementing hair testing aligns with corporate policies seeking to promote a secure and legally compliant work environment.
