Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for detecting substance use, including drugs and alcohol. By capturing biomarkers in the hair strands as they grow, hair offers an extended trace of alcohol and other substances. When a sample is collected near the scalp, it can reveal substance use history over an estimated 3-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment, comprising about 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. It's best to weigh the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug screening consists of four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary handling of a sample into the lab's system, which involves checking the sample's integrity and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data inputs not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective means to eliminate drug usage for most samples, a positive outcome requires confirmation to validate it in legal settings. Any samples initially testing positive in Screening need further confirmation.
If a sample tests positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for further processing in Extraction. At this phase, drugs are isolated from the hair at much lower concentrations than in other testing methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Any positive result from screening is verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All initially positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", these tests actually examine the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the surface.
In West Vero Corridor, FL, hair follicle testing outshines urine tests in several ways.
The benefits over traditional urine tests include superior detection capabilities. Hair testing offers highly reliable results that accurately capture long-term substance use history. With a longer detection period, hair tests outperform urine tests that only capture recent use.
Hair follicle testing in West Vero Corridor, FL, provides a prolonged detection window, identifying drug use up to 90 days.
This extended period offers employers a thorough overview of an individual's substance habits, enabling them to make informed decisions based on long-term behavior rather than short-term consumption, enhancing workforce integrity.
In West Vero Corridor, FL, hair follicle testing significantly diminishes tampering risks.
This method ensures the reliability of results, making sample adulteration nearly impossible. The credibility of the tests provides unquestioned results, reinforcing the integrity and accuracy of substance use assessments beyond any doubts of manipulation.
Enjoy the convenience of our nationwide testing centers, including local locations in West Vero Corridor, FL.
Our process in West Vero Corridor, FL, is simple and confidential.
Ordering, taking, and receiving results is straightforward, addressing privacy concerns and ease of use. Our commitment to confidentiality ensures peace of mind, reflecting our dedication to providing a seamless experience while keeping sensitive information secure.
In West Vero Corridor, FL, our hair follicle testing offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround.
Hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results in West Vero Corridor, FL. This method is highly precise in identifying substance use, ensuring confidence in the results.
Employers and individuals alike benefit from the swift turnaround times and dependable outcomes, making it a preferred choice for those seeking accurate assessments of substance use.
For West Vero Corridor, FL employers, hair follicle testing provides a sense of compliance and peace of mind.
By ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies, businesses reduce legal exposure and enhance safety. This advancement promotes a healthier, more productive work environment, reflecting a commitment to workplace well-being and regulatory compliance.
