Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a comprehensive historical record of substance intake by embedding biomarkers within the matrix of hair fibers. When obtained near the scalp, the hair can reveal consumption details over a span of roughly three months for both alcohol and drugs. The process of hair collection is straightforward, with minimal risk of tampering, and it's convenient for transportation.
An optimal sample comprises 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, amounting to 100mg of hair suitable for testing and validation. For additional analyses like EtG or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement is recommended. In cases where scalp hair is absent, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug testing encompasses four core stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample gets initially processed within the lab system. This phase ensures the sample was sealed and transported correctly, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry left by a non-electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. While it's an economical method to exclude drug presence in many samples, a positive result from Screening needs to be authenticated for legal admissibility. Any samples testing presumptively positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Presumptive positives identified in the Screening stage necessitate additional hair from the initial sample to be prepared for Extraction. This phase involves isolating drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than using other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
The Confirmation of any positive screening findings is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation as deemed necessary. The laboratory process, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, is rigorously reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligns with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", these assessments actually examine the strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Leander, LA, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing due to its superior detection capabilities and reliability. Hair tests provide a longer detection window for substances compared to urine tests. Employers and legal bodies benefit from a more accurate picture of substance use, marking a significant improvement over traditional methods.
With a detection window extending up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Leander, LA, offers a thorough overview of substance use history. Employers gain a valuable insight into the ongoing substance habits of potential or current employees, fostering informed decision-making and safety in the workplace.
Hair follicle tests in Leander, LA, are known for their tamper-resistant nature. The robust testing process minimizes the chances of sample adulteration, assuring the stakeholders of the test’s integrity and reliability. This method stands out for yielding results that are both trustworthy and unquestionable.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations in Leander, LA, as well as nationwide. Ensuring easy access to hair follicle drug testing services removes hurdles, making the process comfortable and accessible to individuals and businesses alike. Quick and stress-free testing experiences are guaranteed.
In Leander, LA, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, privacy is maintained. This straightforward approach alleviates concerns surrounding personal information handling, ensuring a smooth experience throughout the testing procedure.
Leander, LA, businesses benefit from affordable hair follicle testing with quick turnaround times. Competitive pricing structures coupled with efficient processing provide exceptional value, accommodating companies regardless of size. This cost-effective solution aids businesses in maintaining their operational standards.
Hair follicle drug tests in Leander, LA, deliver precise and rapid results. Their accuracy in detecting substances is unmatched, allowing employers and individuals to receive reliable information. The efficient process ensures confirmation of results in a timely manner, maintaining a high standard of substance detection.
For Leander, LA, employers, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By using these tests, companies can mitigate legal risks and promote a safe working environment. The assured accuracy and reliability of hair testing provide peace of mind to employers by enforcing stringent substance policies.
