Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month detection span for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient to transport.
A sample size of about 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and verification. For EtG tests, add-ons, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When referencing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the lab processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample enters the lab's system. This step involves checking that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. While Screening economically eliminates most negative samples, positive screens must be validated to be usable in court. Samples testing presumptively positive in Screening demand a secondary confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, more hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), making hair drug testing more complex.
Positive screening tests are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", these actually examine the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Baldwin, LA
When it comes to distinguishing drug use, hair follicle testing provides superior benefits over traditional urine tests. It offers unmatched detection accuracy, capturing drug use patterns over an extended period. This capacity ensures employers and organizations can rely on comprehensive and reliable assessments, minimizing the chance of erroneous results and maintaining stringent drug-free environments.
Extended Detection Window in Baldwin, LA
The hair follicle test excels in one critical area—its extended detection window. Capable of revealing drug use for up to 90 days, it provides an in-depth view of an individual’s long-term substance history. This broader overview allows employers a clear perspective on an employee’s or applicant’s past drug use, proving invaluable in maintaining a consistent and safe work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Baldwin, LA
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, offering an almost tamper-proof solution to drug testing. Unlike other methods, this test’s design ensures that the integrity of the sample is maintained throughout the process, delivering reliable and incontrovertible results that stakeholders can trust.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Baldwin, LA
Accessing testing services is straightforward with our widespread network of testing centers. Nationwide and local options ensure that community members can engage with quick, simple, and hassle-free testing procedures, whenever needed, all within convenient reach.
Simple, Confidential Process in Baldwin, LA
Our process for ordering and conducting hair follicle tests is both simple and confidential. From start to finish, we safeguard privacy, ensuring individuals can take tests and receive results without concerns about confidentiality breaches. Our straightforward system facilitates ease of use, comforting test takers with assured privacy.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Baldwin, LA
We pride ourselves on offering competitive pricing structures that cater to companies of all sizes, alongside speedy turnaround times. This combination of cost-effectiveness and efficiency delivers unparalleled value, ensuring that organizations can maintain their screening processes without financial strain, while obtaining quick and accurate outcomes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Baldwin, LA
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision. Capable of detecting substance use with high accuracy, they offer swift results, essential for time-sensitive scenarios. This rapidity doesn't compromise reliability; instead, it ensures those being screened receive trustworthy results promptly, aiding in effective decision-making for businesses and individuals alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Baldwin, LA
Implementing hair follicle testing ensures that workplaces not only comply with drug-free policies but also significantly reduce potential legal liabilities. Employers gain peace of mind, knowing their safety protocols are robust and that they foster a safe working environment for all employees, enhancing both productivity and workplace morale.
