Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a valuable method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to contamination, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment from approximately 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a corresponding amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair types (such as facial and underarm).
Process Summary
The core stages of lab processing for a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary entry of a specimen into a laboratory’s workflow. This involves ensuring proper sealing and shipment of the specimen, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result must be verified for court acceptability. Samples that show presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample emerge as presumptively positive at Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of positive Screening results occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The full lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and aligns with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Pros of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually involves the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Tests in Welaka, FL
Hair testing offers significant advantages over conventional urine tests. It provides comprehensive detection of drug use history over a prolonged period. Unlike urine tests, it minimizes the possibility of tampering, ensuring integrity. This method is favored by employers for its accurate results, enhancing workplace policy enforcement and safety assurance.
Extended Detection Period in Welaka, FL
Hair follicle drug testing allows for an extensive detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This in-depth history enables employers to obtain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use patterns over time. It is an invaluable tool for assessing long-term use, ensuring that workplace environments remain drug-free and safe.
Secure and Tamper-Resistant Testing in Welaka, FL
The hair follicle test stands out for its resistance to sample adulteration. This testing method reduces the risk of tampering, providing results that are both secure and accurate. Employers can count on the reliability of these tests, as they are less prone to alteration, ensuring peace of mind for all stakeholders involved.
Accessible Testing Locations Nationwide and in Welaka, FL
Enjoy convenience with our widespread network of testing centers, including local facilities in Welaka. Our infrastructure ensures quick and stress-free access to drug testing services. Whether you're a local resident or a business, our streamlined approach makes the process simple, efficient, and accessible whenever needed.
Easy and Confidential Process in Welaka, FL
Ordering and completing a hair follicle test is straightforward and discreet. From scheduling a test to receiving the results, every step ensures privacy and confidentiality. Catering to individual needs, we focus on a seamless process that respects client privacy, delivering results accurately and without hassles.
Competitive Pricing and Quick Results in Welaka, FL
Our hair follicle testing services are priced competitively, offering financial value without compromising on quality. With fast turnaround times, companies of all sizes can benefit from transparent pricing structures, obtaining reliable testing results without delay, which strengthens operational strategies.
Hair Follicle Testing Precision in Welaka, FL
The accuracy of hair follicle drug tests is unmatched, providing fast and reliable results. With expedited turnaround times, individuals and organizations receive quick insights into substance use. The precision in detection far exceeds that of traditional tests, ensuring confidence in the outcomes. This accuracy is essential for maintaining safe and compliant workplaces.
Peace of Mind for Employers via Compliance in Welaka, FL
Utilizing hair follicle testing assures employers of compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By choosing this method, companies significantly reduce legal risks and enhance overall safety. It's a definitive step towards meeting regulatory requirements and safeguarding the well-being of employees, ultimately benefiting organizational operations.
