Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective resource for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a long-term record of substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When cut near the scalp, it can offer a detection window of up to about 90 days for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG tests, additional panels, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. It’s beneficial to use a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement. If no scalp hair is present, a comparable amount of body hair can be taken. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key procedures in processing a drug test in the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial handling of a sample in the lab system. It involves ensuring the correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry missing from the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid test for substances. While it serves as a cost-effective method to rule out drug use in most samples, any positive result needs verification to be legally acceptable. Samples that test preliminarily positive require further confirmation.
When a sample is preliminarily positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. This process extracts drugs from hair at concentrations lower than those in other tests (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Positive screening results are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing preliminarily positive are cleaned before verification if needed. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Important: Known as "hair follicle tests," this test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Westchester, FL, has seen hair follicle testing become the preferred choice over traditional urine tests. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability, capturing a broader spectrum of substance use. Unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection window, hair tests reveal a longer history of drug usage.
Key Advantages:
Hair follicle testing in Westchester, FL, provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This comprehensive assessment reveals an individual's long-term substance use patterns, assisting employers in gaining a detailed understanding of a candidate's history.
The lengthy detection period offers invaluable insights, allowing companies to evaluate past behavior. It ensures better-informed hiring and retention decisions, promoting workplace safety and integrity.
In Westchester, FL, hair follicle tests stand out for their resistance to manipulation. The testing method substantially lowers the likelihood of sample tampering, guaranteeing reliable outcomes.
By collecting hair samples directly under observation, this approach restricts opportunities for altering results, thereby increasing the credibility of the findings. Employers rely on these tests for consistent and unquestionable results, ensuring a safe and drug-free workplace.
The accessibility of testing centers is essential for Westchester, FL residents, with local and nationwide facilities ensuring swift and convenient service. Accredited Drug Testing simplifies the testing process by providing many locations for easy access.
With numerous locations strategically placed, both local residents and those across the nation benefit from quick, hassle-free testing services, enabling efficient drug screening as required.
Accredited Drug Testing in Westchester, FL, offers a simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing. Ordering tests is straightforward, ensuring ease and privacy. Clients can remain confident in the confidentiality of their information.
From sample collection to results, every step is designed to protect privacy and maintain ease of use, thus promoting trust and comfort for all applicants undergoing testing.
In Westchester, FL, Accredited Drug Testing presents cost-effective pricing and a fast turnaround time, ensuring excellent service value. Our competitive rates cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring affordability without compromising quality.
The quick turnaround of results assists in timely decision-making, thus providing businesses with the assurance and efficiency needed to maintain a drug-free workplace without exceeding budget constraints.
In Westchester, FL, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched accuracy and rapid results. These assessments provide precise substance use detection, allowing reliable determinations of an individual's drug history. Speedy analysis ensures timely outcomes, aiding employers in making informed decisions swiftly.
The precision of hair follicle tests in detecting past drug usage is unrivaled. This accuracy ensures that employers and legal entities receive dependable information, vital for maintaining safety and compliance.
Employers in Westchester, FL, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, guaranteeing adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method helps in minimizing legal risks, thereby supporting a safer work environment.
Benefits for Employers: