Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. The fibers of growing hair strands trap biomarkers, creating a lengthy record of alcohol and drug use. When taken close to the scalp, hair analysis can indicate the presence of substances over a roughly 3-month window. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to alteration, and simple to transport.
Acquiring a sample of 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample for testing and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or screenings exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is preferred. It is advised to measure the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is absent, a similar amount of body hair may be used. Referring to head hair exclusively means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample into the laboratory system. This step includes checking that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry that an electronic chain of custody system does not provide.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. Screening effectively excludes drug use in most cases, but any positive results must be confirmed for legal acceptance. Samples that test positive during Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample tests positive during the Screening process, additional hair is extracted from the specimen for the Extraction phase. At this point, substances are isolated from hair in much smaller concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), representing why hair drug screening is the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Samples that are presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though often termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure evaluates the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
In West Lake Wales, FL, hair follicle testing emerges as superior to traditional urine tests. It offers robust detection accuracy and a longer period of substance identification. This test provides a thorough and reliable way to verify drug use history, outperforming urine tests with its enhanced detection capabilities.
Hair follicle tests in West Lake Wales, FL, extend the detection window to 90 days, offering a complete analysis of a person’s substance usage history. Employers gain a comprehensive view, ensuring informed decisions against potential substance misuse, surpassing the short span of conventional tests.
Reducing risks of adulterated samples, hair follicle tests in West Lake Wales, FL, deliver results you can trust. The method resists tampering, ensuring credible and authentic outcomes every time. Businesses benefit from the reliability and integrity these tests provide, fostering assured decision-making.
West Lake Wales, FL boasts convenient testing locations, offering nationwide accessibility. The streamlined process ensures quick and simple testing, granting easy access and reducing any potential hassle. Whether you're local or elsewhere, testing remains accessible and time-efficient.
In West Lake Wales, FL, the simple and confidential hair testing process prioritizes user privacy. With quick ordering, sampling, and result delivery, it ensures a seamless experience. Upholding confidentiality at every step, it’s designed to put user’s peace of mind first.
Accessing affordable hair follicle drug testing with fast turnarounds in West Lake Wales, FL gives companies financial efficiency without compromising on service quality. Competitive pricing structures alongside quick turnaround times provide incredible value tailored to any business size.
The precision and speed of hair follicle tests in West Lake Wales, FL stand unmatched, offering high accuracy in substance detection. Securing results promptly is crucial for decision-making, and with hair tests, certainty is nearly guaranteed. West Lake Wales embraces these superior tests to assure reliable detection that leaves no room for doubt.
In West Lake Wales, FL, hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free objectives, offering employers assurance and protection from legal complications. This advanced testing method supports a secure work environment, fostering safety and compliance consistently and effectively.