Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a significant method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to around 3 months for alcohol and various drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional factors, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent amount of body hair may be gathered. When referring to head hair, it denotes scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in the laboratory processing of a drug testing outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial handling of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process includes verifying the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any supplementary data not captured by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid check for drug abuse. While screening offers a cost-efficient method to rule out drug usage for the majority of samples, any positive screen requires confirmation for it to be permissible in court. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo a secondary verification.
Should a sample indicate presumptive positivity during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are drawn from the hair at a notably lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most intricate methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation where necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the test itself assesses the hair strand and not the hair follicle situated under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Zellwood, FL
Hair testing provides advantages over traditional urine tests, particularly in terms of detection accuracy and durability. Mistakes common in urine tests are minimized, resulting in more dependable findings. The enhanced detection ability means better assurance in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Extended Detection Window in Zellwood, FL
A major advantage of hair follicle testing is its capacity to identify drug use over a longer timeframe, up to 90 days. This extensive detection window grants employers a more complete understanding of an individual's substance use history, facilitating informed decisions regarding hiring and workforce management.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Zellwood, FL
Hair follicle tests significantly cut down the likelihood of manipulation or adulteration, offering results that are trustworthy and unequivocal. By ensuring a secure sample collection process, these tests maintain their integrity and provide assurance in their accuracy, supporting a dependable testing approach.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Zellwood, FL
Our expansive network of testing centers nationwide, including within Zellwood, offers convenient access to testing services. The ease of locating a nearby center ensures a swift, straightforward, and worry-free process for all clients seeking testing services on short notice.
Simple, Confidential Process in Zellwood, FL
The procedure for ordering, undertaking, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and private. Clients' concerns regarding confidentiality are thoroughly addressed, leading to a stress-free experience while ensuring their sensitive information remains secure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Zellwood, FL
Our pricing strategy is competitive, paired with rapid turnaround times, providing immense value for businesses of various sizes. Clients benefit from a cost-effective solution that also grants them expedited, reliable results, ensuring ongoing peace of mind and operational efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Zellwood, FL
Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and speed. These tests are highly effective in detecting substance use, providing reliable data quickly. The cutting-edge technology employed ensures that results are both fast and consistent, making them an optimal choice for informed decision-making in both personal and professional contexts.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Zellwood, FL
Using hair follicle testing helps employers adhere to workplace drug-free policies, diminishing legal risks and enhancing safety. By opting for this method, employers ensure compliance while promoting a safe, productive workplace, thus achieving peace of mind and reducing potential liabilities.
