Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair offers a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When hair is gathered close to the scalp, it can reflect a detection timeframe of up to around 3 months for both alcohol and other drugs. It is easily collected, relatively tamper-proof, and straightforward to transport.
Gathering a 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to utilize 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be procured, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be obtained. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results encompasses four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary processing of a sample within a lab’s system, including verification of proper sealing and shipping, assignment of a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completion of any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a swift initial examination for substances of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective means to exclude drug use in most samples, court-admissible positive screens necessitate confirmation. Samples that test positive presumptively in Screening require follow-up verification.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for preparation in Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), positioning hair drug screening as the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing positive presumptively undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing in Florida, MA, due to superior detection and reliability. Hair tests detect drug use for up to 90 days, offering a longer detection window compared to urine tests which are limited to a few days. This increased accuracy provides employers with a comprehensive view of an individual's drug history, enabling informed choices.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Florida, MA, allows for drug use detection up to 90 days. This comprehensive span provides employers and law enforcement with a clear insight into an individual's substance history, offering a broader perspective than other testing techniques can offer and helping in making well-informed decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Florida, MA, is highly valued for its tamper-resistant qualities. This method greatly reduces the risk of adulteration, unlike other testing methods, by being nearly impossible to manipulate. Thus, it ensures that the results can be trusted and relied upon for making critical decisions involving substance use verification.
Our testing centers, located conveniently across Florida, MA, provide easy and accessible locations for testing. With nationwide coverage, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that clients have quick and seamless access to testing services, no matter where they are, making the testing process as hassle-free as possible for everyone involved.
The testing process in Florida, MA, with Accredited Drug Testing is both simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving test results is straightforward, ensuring privacy throughout the process. This simplicity addresses any privacy concerns and assures clients of a discreet and efficient experience.
Our services in Florida, MA, emphasize affordable pricing and fast turnaround, providing excellent value. Our competitive pricing structures, combined with swift result delivery, address the needs of companies of all sizes, ensuring peace of mind and economic efficiency without compromising on quality and reliability.
In Florida, MA, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests are efficient in speed and precision, ensuring accurate substance use detection. Their ability to detect a wide range of substances makes them invaluable for immediate and reliable analysis, enhancing the decision-making process for various stakeholders.
Employers in Florida, MA, benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance and peace of mind. This testing method supports workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing overall safety. By choosing hair tests, businesses reinforce a culture of security and trust, protecting both employees and stakeholders.
