Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing emerges as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to around three months for both alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil in thickness) collected closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG tests, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of around 150mg is advised. It is recommended that the specimen be weighed on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically pertain to scalp hair, while body hair indicates all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The core stages of processing a drug test result in a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial processing of a sample within a lab system. This step includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody procedure.
Screening serves as an initial swift assessment for substances of abuse. While this stage is cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples displaying presumptive positivity during Screening require a subsequent confirmation test.
When a sample shows presumptive positivity during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much reduced concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation for any positive screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are washed before confirmation if needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the examination is of the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Andrew, LA, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests, showcasing greater accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional methods, hair tests offer improved detection capabilities.
This advanced testing method provides a superior understanding of an individual's drug use, making it the preferred choice for many organizations.
Hair follicle testing in Andrew, LA, offers a substantially longer detection window, identifying drug use up to 90 days prior.
This extended period gives employers a more comprehensive insight into an employee's or applicant's substance history.
In Andrew, LA, the hair follicle testing method is notably tamper-resistant, significantly reducing sample tampering risks.
By providing unquestionable results, this testing approach ensures a higher level of reliability and integrity in the drug testing process.
In Andrew, LA, the convenience of our nationwide testing centers ensures a seamless experience.
Our wide-reaching locations guarantee quick, easy access to drug testing services without hassle.
Andrew, LA residents enjoy a straightforward and confidential process for hair follicle testing.
The ordering, testing, and results receiving phases are designed to ensure privacy and ease for all clients.
In Andrew, LA, our hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing and quick results.
This cost-effective approach delivers value for companies while ensuring timely and reliable outcomes.
In Andrew, LA, hair follicle drug tests stand out with their speed and precision. These tests deliver highly accurate results, efficiently identifying substance use.
This method ensures swift, reliable outcomes, making it a preferable choice for employers seeking dependable testing procedures.
Employers in Andrew, LA, can achieve compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing.
This method helps enforce workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and bolstering workplace safety.
