Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures long-term substance use history by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, it offers an approximate detection window of up to three months for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent in thickness to a #2 pencil) close to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which suffices for both screening and confirmation. For additional tests like EtG or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is preferable. It's advisable to use a jeweler's scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is unobtainable, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" denotes scalp hair only, whereas "body hair" includes all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The key phases in the lab analysis of a drug test sample consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial introduction of a sample into the laboratory's process. It verifies that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data input lacking in an electronic chain of custody.
In Screening, a preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse occurs. Although Screening is economical for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result needs confirmation to be legally valid. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair from the initial sample is extracted for processing. At this stage, drug extraction from hair occurs at concentrations lower than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive Screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing, if required, prior to confirmation. The process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often misnamed as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Vineyards, FL
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests, hair testing stands out for its superior detection accuracy. While urine tests are useful for short-term detection, hair tests cover a longer frame of drug use history, making them ideal for ensuring workplace safety and adherence to drug-free policies.
Extended Detection Window in Vineyards, FL
Hair follicle testing offers an unmatched ability to detect drug use for up to 90 days, providing employers a thorough view of an individual’s substance history. This extended detection period allows for a more comprehensive understanding of long-term drug use behavior, critical for informed hiring and employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Vineyards, FL
Hair follicle testing significantly mitigates the risk of sample tampering, presenting results with unquestionable integrity. The method is nearly impossible to cheat, ensuring that outcomes faithfully reflect the subject's substance use history, preserving the test's reliability and serving as a robust deterrent against attempts to manipulate results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Vineyards, FL
Our network of nationwide testing centers makes accessing hair follicle testing services convenient and stress-free. Whether in Vineyards, FL, or elsewhere, individuals and organizations can quickly and easily access testing facilities, streamlining the process and ensuring timely and efficient service delivery.
Simple, Confidential Process in Vineyards, FL
Ordering, taking, and receiving results from a hair follicle drug test involves a straightforward and private process. Our system is designed to respect client confidentiality while making it easy for the user, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring a hassle-free experience from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Vineyards, FL
With competitive rates and swift result turnover, hair follicle drug testing provides outstanding value for businesses of any size. The combination of cost-effective pricing and quick processing times delivers economic efficiency and peace of mind, making it a preferred option for cost-conscious clients.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Vineyards, FL
The precision of hair follicle drug tests is unmatched, delivering swift and trustworthy results. These tests are designed to accurately identify substance use, offering greater reliability compared to alternative methods. Rapid results enable informed decisions in various settings, ensuring safety and compliance in Vineyards, FL.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Vineyards, FL
Employers benefit from the peace of mind that comes with using hair follicle testing to comply with drug-free workplace policies. This method not only reduces legal liabilities but also enhances workplace safety, ensuring that environments are free from substance-related risks, fostering a productive and secure work setting.
