Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. By capturing biomarkers within the hair fiber, hair offers an extended history of substance intake. When hair is obtained near the scalp, it can reveal a detection timeline of up to nearly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, it’s not easily tampered with, and convenient for transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches containing around 200 hairs (approximately pencil-thickness) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, addons, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. Usage of a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. In instances where scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other hair types (i.e., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
There are four chief phases in laboratory drug test processing, namely Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing into the lab's system, which includes seal and shipment verification, random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) assignment, and completion of additional data for missing electronic chain of custody entries.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid review for substance abuse. While Screening is an economical solution for excluding drug presence in most samples, a positive screen mandates confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples that seem positive during Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.
In cases where the sample is likely positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. Drugs in hair are extracted at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid); hence hair drug screening is among the most challenging methods to execute.
Positive screen confirmations are achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, if necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", this type of test examines the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Westchase, FL, opting for hair follicle drug testing brings forth numerous advantages over traditional urine tests. Hair testing exhibits superior detection capability, ensuring accurate results that are hard to compromise, unlike standard urine testing methods which may fall short in reliability.
Hair tests offer an extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history. This advantage over urine tests, which have a shorter detection span, makes hair testing more beneficial for long-term analysis.
A distinctive feature of hair follicle testing in Westchase, FL is its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This prolonged period enables employers to gain a thorough understanding of a candidate or employee’s drug history, surpassing the capabilities of traditional testing methods.
With such a lengthy detection window, hair testing stands out as a superior method for those needing a broad view over time, making it a valuable tool for comprehensive substance use assessment.
Employers in Westchase, FL can rely on hair follicle testing for its tamper-resistant nature. The test significantly reduces the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring results that are both reliable and unquestionable.
This method's robustness is particularly beneficial in legal and professional environments, where the integrity of testing processes is paramount and must be beyond reproach.
Accredited Drug Testing simplifies access with convenient locations in Westchase, FL, and nationwide. Our centers are strategically placed to provide quick, hassle-free access, ensuring that testing is no longer a cumbersome task for individuals and companies alike.
This national coverage assures availability and ease, allowing for efficient management of testing needs, a true asset for anyone looking to streamline the drug testing process.
In Westchase, FL, the hair follicle testing process at Accredited Drug Testing is simple and confidential. From the ordering phase to obtaining results, every step is designed with user privacy in mind, ensuring a smooth, discreet experience.
Our commitment to confidentiality guarantees that personal information and test results remain secure, allowing individuals and businesses to navigate the procedure with complete peace of mind.
Accredited Drug Testing in Westchase, FL offers competitive pricing structures combined with fast turnaround times, presenting excellent value for organizations of all sizes. Our services ensure accessible testing that meets budgetary demands without compromising quality.
Fast service delivery paired with affordability makes hair follicle testing a feasible option, demonstrating a commitment to providing premium service at an economical rate.
Choosing hair follicle testing in Westchase, FL, means benefiting from fast, precise, and reliable results. Hair tests can detect substance use with remarkable accuracy, providing results that are both trustworthy and quick, helping facilitate informed decisions promptly.
The advanced analytical capabilities of hair follicle tests ensure that they maintain a high standard of precision. This accuracy is crucial in both personal and professional contexts, offering a clear picture of substance use.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Westchase, FL assures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, providing employers with peace of mind. This method supports legal compliance while enhancing safety and security within the work environment.
Employers benefit from reduced legal risks associated with non-compliance, prioritizing safety and order through rigorous testing protocols that keep workplaces secure and trustworthy.
