Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a highly effective means of identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair can capture long-term profiles of alcohol and other drugs within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, it can present a detection timeframe of up to nearly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, with lower chances of tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for assessment and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for measuring the specimen. If scalp hair is missing, the equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core procedures involved in laboratory processing of a drug test outcome consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning engages in the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory's framework. This involves verifying the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, designating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any further data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening encompasses a swift preliminary test for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive outcome requires confirmation to be admissible legally. Samples indicating presumptive positivity during Screening necessitate additional substantiation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair in much lower concentration levels compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus rendering hair drug screening the most intricate method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently dubbed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in West Bradenton, FL offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. The enhanced detection accuracy and reliability make hair tests a superior choice. Unlike urine tests, which might miss prolonged substance use, hair testing provides a more thorough account of one's drug history, ensuring that any abused substance is detected, thus aiding employers in maintaining a safer, drug-free workplace.
Hair follicle testing offers a comprehensive detection window, capable of tracing drug use as far back as 90 days. This extended period ensures employers in West Bradenton, FL gain a detailed understanding of any applicant or employee's substance consumption history. Such clarity supports informed hiring decisions, maintaining a consistent standard for workplace safety and substance conduct.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in West Bradenton, FL significantly prevents sample adulteration. These tests provide dependable, unadulterated results, ensuring that the substance history test is accurate and credible. The likelihood of cheating is minimal, fostering trust in the testing process and ensuring decisions are based on truthful data.
West Bradenton, FL boasts numerous testing centers as part of our extensive national network, offering convenience and efficiency. These local facilities ensure that drug testing services remain accessible and straightforward. Whether you're nearby or traveling, our wide reach guarantees that getting tested is a hassle-free experience across numerous locations.
The hair follicle testing process in West Bradenton, FL is both straightforward and confidential, ensuring simplicity from order to result. Privacy is emphasized, providing users with confidence and ease in every step. The streamlined approach makes it easy for individuals and companies to engage in testing without worrying about complex procedures or data security concerns.
With competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, hair follicle testing in West Bradenton, FL offers excellent value for all businesses. These affordable services help ensure companies of all sizes can maintain safety without breaking the bank, while quick results support timely decision-making, reducing any potential downtime due to delays.
In West Bradenton, FL, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their superior precision and swift results. These tests are adept at accurately identifying substance use, making them a preferred choice for many. With a focus on accuracy and reliability, they ensure that any substance intake does not go unnoticed, offering quick insights for those who prioritize getting dependable results promptly.
Hair follicle testing in West Bradenton, FL supports employers in upholding drug-free workplace policies, thereby enhancing peace of mind. By ensuring compliance with necessary regulations, these tests help reduce legal risks and contribute to creating a safer, more secure work environment. Employers can rest assured that they are fulfilling their safety obligations.
