Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now considered an effective instrument for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When samples are taken near the scalp, they can show drug and alcohol use over a period of up to about 90 days. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches containing roughly 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, which is the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG screening, extensions, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's advised to gather 150mg of hair. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. Scalp hair is what we refer to when mentioning head hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory evaluation of a drug test outcome includes four core procedures: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the preliminary incorporation of a sample into the lab’s database. This step entails validation of sample sealing and shipping, assigning a randomly generated LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in extra details not furnished by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening conducts a primary examination for substances of abuse. Despite being an economical technique to discount drug use in majority of cases, positive findings in Screening necessitate corroboration to hold up in legal proceedings. Any Sample that flags positive during Screening mandates further validation.
During the Screening phase, if positivity is indicated, additional hair from the initial collection is extracted for Examination. This phase entails extracting drugs from hair at significantly diminished concentrations than methods like urine or oral fluid tests, making hair drug examination the most intricate practice.
Positive screening outcomes are subjected to confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process before confirmation as required. The entire lab procedure ranging from Accessioning to Confirmation is thoroughly vetted adhering to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", these tests actually scrutinize the hair strands themselves rather than the follicles under the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Athens, LA, surpasses urine testing in multiple ways. With its extended detection window, this method offers superior accuracy, capturing evidence of drug use for up to 90 days. This allows for a more comprehensive assessment of an individual's substance history.
Urine tests, while traditional, fall short in detection longevity. Hair testing’s precise results and reduced chances of tampering make it an excellent alternative for workplaces and legal settings seeking reliability and accuracy.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days for drug use, providing organizations in Athens, LA, with a thorough view of an applicant's or employee's substance history. This extended period aids in painting an accurate picture of past behaviors.
This method's longer detection time is particularly beneficial for employers looking to ensure that their workforce maintains a drug-free environment and assists in making informed hiring or management decisions.
Hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant testing method in Athens, LA. The collection process, supervised to minimize tampering, ensures the integrity and reliability of the sample, thereby delivering indisputable results.
Such resistance to manipulation offers reassurance to employers, legal entities, and individuals that the results accurately reflect the substance history without any possibility of sample adulteration.
Our testing centers, available nationwide and locally in Athens, LA, ensure convenient access for all. The ease of locating a nearby center facilitates a seamless experience for anyone needing hair follicle testing services.
Our widespread locations underscore our commitment to offering quick and hassle-free services, regardless of where you are situated in the country, enhancing the convenience factor significantly.
The process for hair follicle testing in Athens, LA is simple and confidential. From ordering to collecting and receiving results, we prioritize user privacy and ease, ensuring that personal information remains secure throughout.
Our accessible and discreet approach to testing helps alleviate privacy concerns and makes the procedure straightforward, allowing for peace of mind among test-takers.
Our pricing in Athens, LA is both affordable and competitive, providing great value for businesses of all sizes. Besides our cost-effective options, we ensure a fast turnaround for results, delivering both efficiency and peace of mind.
Adding to the value, our quick service in delivering results underscores our commitment to meeting client needs effectively and affordably, making us a go-to choice for drug testing solutions.
In Athens, LA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their ability to deliver fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are renowned for quickly and precisely detecting various substances, giving individuals and organizations confidence in the results.
Compared to other methods, hair follicle testing in Athens offers a high degree of precision, making it a preferred choice for accurate substance detection. The speed and accuracy of the results can greatly assist in decision-making processes.
For employers in Athens, LA, conducting hair follicle testing offers compliance and peace of mind. This method supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reduces legal risks, and promotes a safe working environment.
Choosing hair testing ensures policies are followed diligently, boosting confidence among employers and employees alike while minimizing any potential legal challenges related to drug policy violations.