Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands encapsulate biomarkers within their fibers, offering a prolonged timeline of drug and alcohol use. Sampling hair near the scalp can reveal consumption within a roughly three-month period. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, roughly the width of a #2 pencil and consisting of 200 hair strands, will yield 100mg, which is perfect for both screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to have 150mg of the sample. Utilize a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. If scalp hair is missing, a similar amount of body hair can be used. The term head hair refers solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair types (including facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In the Accessioning phase, the sample is first integrated into the laboratory system. This step ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any pending data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary inspection for substances of abuse. While it's a cost-effective method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
A presumptively positive sample in the Screening phase leads to more hair extraction from the initial specimen for further processing. During Extraction, drugs are retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations than seen in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screenings notably challenging.
Confirmation for any positive results from screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing if required. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is meticulously reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Why choose hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Baker, LA? Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability, capturing a wider range of drug use over time. Unlike urine tests, which can be limited to a shorter detection window, hair testing provides evidence of long-term substance use, making it an invaluable tool for those committed to maintaining a drug-free environment.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing is a distinct advantage in Baker, LA, offering insights into drug use history up to 90 days. This broad range allows employers to gain a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use, far beyond the limitations of other testing methods. It's an essential tool for assessing long-term drug use.
In Baker, LA, hair follicle testing is a favored option due to its tamper-resistant nature. This method drastically reduces the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable and unquestioned results. Employers can trust in the authenticity and accuracy of the results, promoting a secure and trustworthy approach to drug testing.
With convenient nationwide testing centers, including those in Baker, LA, access to hair follicle testing is uncomplicated and straightforward. Our network ensures quick, easy, and hassle-free access to testing services, allowing individuals and organizations to undergo the process with minimal inconvenience, regardless of their location.
In Baker, LA, the process of hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step is designed to protect privacy and ease of use. Addressing common concerns about confidentiality ensures individuals and employers can trust the efficiency and discretion of the testing process.
Providing excellent value in Baker, LA, our hair follicle testing services are characterized by affordable pricing and fast turnaround. These competitive pricing structures ensure that organizations, irrespective of size, can benefit from quick, accurate results, underscoring the exceptional value of our testing solutions.
In Baker, LA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering quick, accurate, and precise results. The precision of hair testing allows for reliable detection of substance use, providing unrivaled accuracy compared to other testing methods. This ensures employers have confidence in their screening processes, obtaining dependable results swiftly and efficiently.
Employers in Baker, LA can achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. By adopting this method, businesses ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing overall safety. It’s a vital measure for organizations committed to maintaining a secure and compliant work environment.
