Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The hair traps biomarkers within its fibers, offering a long-term record of alcohol and other drug use. When taken near the scalp, hair can provide an approximately 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A specimen of 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screenings beyond 10 panels, it is recommended to have 150mg of the sample. It's advised to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. Reference to head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Overview of the Process
The key steps in the laboratory procedure for analyzing a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process involves checking that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is an economical way to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result must be validated to be accepted in legal proceedings. Any samples presumed positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
When a sample shows presumed positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and set up for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are extracted from hair with far lower concentrations than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methods to conduct.
Validation of any positive Screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation, as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to the conventional urine test in Winter Haven, FL, hair testing decidedly surpasses in terms of detection and reliability. Urine tests typically cover recent drug use, while hair tests provide a broader detection window, up to 90 days. This advantage gives a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance usage history. Hence, hair testing is the superior choice for a thorough drug analysis.
The extended detection window of hair testing in Winter Haven, FL, means drug use can be identified for up to 90 days, offering a deep insight into an individual's substance history. This advantage benefits employers by revealing long-term patterns of substance use. The wide detection range of hair testing makes it a powerful tool for assessing both short-term and prolonged drug habits, facilitating informed decisions.
Employing tamper-resistant hair follicle testing in Winter Haven, FL, minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. With its design that makes manipulation extremely challenging, the test ensures results are reliable and verifiable. This form of testing provides assurance of authenticity, significantly reducing the potential for deceptive practices, and offering accurate evaluations of substance use.
Enjoy convenient testing solutions in Winter Haven, FL, with our expansive network of nationwide centers. This widespread presence ensures quick and effortless access to hair follicle testing services, facilitating swift processes across multiple locations. The hassle-free access supports efficient workflow, allowing clients to easily meet their testing needs without undue burden.
In Winter Haven, FL, the hair testing process remains simple and confidential. Ordering, participating in, and obtaining results are all streamlined steps, prioritizing user privacy. This design addresses concerns for privacy and efficiency, ensuring that individuals can undergo the process with ease and confidentiality, preserving their personal information securely.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround, our hair testing in Winter Haven, FL, provides excellent value for businesses, large or small. Our competitive rates coupled with swift processing times ensure that companies can receive top-notch services without breaking their budget, gaining both economic and operational peace of mind.
In Winter Haven, FL, hair follicle tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are well-known for their precision, efficiently identifying a variety of substances. Turnaround times are swift, ensuring stakeholders receive the necessary insights promptly. This speed and precision make hair testing a preferred choice for many organizations wanting to maintain a drug-free environment.
For employers in Winter Haven, FL, hair follicle testing assures compliance and peace of mind. Utilizing this method supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies and mitigates legal ramifications. By choosing reliable testing measures, companies safeguard the integrity and safety of their work environment, reducing risks and fostering a secure employee setting.
