Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means of identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair serves as a repository for a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to approximately three months for substances like alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch sample containing around 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) from the scalp offers 100mg of hair, which is perfect for analysis through screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. In cases where scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent portion of body hair is suitable. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair only, whereas body hair covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Outline
The lab processing of a drug test involves four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the sample's initial entry into the lab’s system. This process confirms the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a rapid preliminary examination for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-effective method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, any positive result needs confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples with tentative positive results in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive outcome in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During this step, drugs are drawn out from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), leading to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screening outcomes undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed as required before confirmation. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the laboratory process undergoes scrutiny according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Merits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Caveat: Often called "hair follicle tests," these only examine the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing In Vero Beach, FL, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Hair analysis provides superior detection accuracy, capturing drug use history over a more extended period compared to urine testing.
Extended Detection Window Hair follicle testing in Vero Beach, FL is known for its extended detection period. Unlike other testing methods, it provides insights into an individual's substance use up to 90 days prior, making it invaluable for employers seeking a comprehensive view of potential or current employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method Hair follicle tests in Vero Beach, FL offer a resilient solution against sample tampering. This method gives peace of mind by ensuring results are credible and difficult to falsify.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations In Vero Beach, FL, our nationwide and local testing centers provide quick and easy access to drug testing. This convenience ensures a hassle-free process for all customers.
Simple, Confidential Process In Vero Beach, FL, we prioritize confidentiality and ease in our hair follicle testing. The process is straightforward and secure, from ordering tests to receiving results, protecting privacy and addressing user concerns.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround In Vero Beach, FL, we offer competitive pricing for hair follicle drug testing combined with fast result delivery. We ensure value for businesses of all sizes, providing both cost efficiency and prompt results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results Hair follicle testing in Vero Beach, FL stands out for its precision and efficiency. These tests are designed to accurately detect substance use, providing fast and reliable results that employers and individuals can trust.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers Utilizing hair follicle testing in Vero Beach, FL helps maintain drug-free workplace compliance. By choosing this reliable method, employers can reduce legal risks and enhance overall workplace safety.
