Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method to identify drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encases biomarkers within its fibers, providing a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs over time. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug usage over an approximate 3-month window. Collecting hair is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil's thickness) taken closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and detailed analysis. For EtG, additional panels, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other hair types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the primary phase where a sample is entered into a lab's system. This step includes confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an expedited preliminary examination for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to eliminate the likelihood of drug use on most samples, any positive identification must be verified for legal acceptance. Samples identified as potentially positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
When a sample appears positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial collection for the Extraction process. Here, substances are isolated from the hair at a lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring that hair drug screening is among the most challenging methods to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out utilizing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positivity are cleansed before confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is inspected under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being frequently called "hair follicle tests," the assessment focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Milton, LA
Hair follicle testing holds distinct advantages over urine testing. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair analysis is capable of recognizing substance use over a broader time frame. Milton, LA, organizations benefit from the heightened detection accuracy and reliability that hair testing offers, bypassing the seasonal or temporary behaviors that urine samples might miss.
Extended Detection Window in Milton, LA
One of the core strengths of hair follicle testing in Milton, LA, is its generous detection timeframe. Unlike other testing methods, hair samples can reveal drug use for up to 90 days. This prolonged window offers employers a deeper insight into an individual’s substance use history, enhancing the overall understanding of an applicant or employee’s behaviors over several months.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Milton, LA
Hair follicle testing greatly minimizes sample manipulation, providing dependable and indisputable outcomes. In Milton, LA, this testing method elevates the integrity of results. Its observed collection process ensures that samples are authentic and untouched, significantly lowering any risk of tampering, which is a common concern in other common testing methods.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Milton, LA
The convenience of Accredited Drug Testing's numerous locations, including those in Milton, LA, enhances the testing experience. With a broad network of site locations nationally, individuals can expect efficient, quick, and straightforward access to drug testing services. Local accessibility translates to ease and minimal disruption for those seeking tests.
Simple, Confidential Process in Milton, LA
Getting and completing a hair follicle test in Milton, LA, is both straightforward and private. The process—from ordering to results—has been structured to prioritize privacy, ensuring that all personal information remains confidential. This effort provides participants reassurance and comfort in participating without privacy concerns.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Milton, LA
Accredited Drug Testing in Milton, LA combines affordability with swift results, providing businesses with a cost-effective solution. Competitive pricing structures along with fast turnaround times mean companies, regardless of size, can maximize value while maintaining quick access to important testing results, benefiting workplace operations.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Milton, LA
If precision is your priority, hair follicle testing delivers in Milton, LA. Not only do these tests ensure high-accuracy when detecting substances, but they also provide quick results. The innovative technology behind hair testing allows individuals and employers to receive essential data on substance use, ensuring timely decisions can be made without the long wait associated with other methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Milton, LA
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Milton, LA, ensures that businesses adhere to drug-free policies while safeguarding against legal liabilities. Employers gain not just compliance, but also peace of mind, knowing that the workplace is upheld to safety standards. This testing method helps nurture a more secure and drug-free work environment.
