Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol use. The hair captures long-term markers of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers into the fibers as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers an approximate three-month window to detect alcohol and drug presence. Hair collection is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of roughly 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) close to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the ideal amount for both initial and confirmatory testing. For EtG tests or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is suggested. We recommend using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair may be taken. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a lab's database. It involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for the presence of prohibited substances. Although cost-effective for ruling out drug use on most samples, positive screening results must be validated for legal admissibility. Any samples showing initial positive results in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In the Extraction phase, hair yields drugs at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or saliva), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Positive screening findings are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as needed. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is overseen by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests," the examination assesses the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Belle Rose, LA, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. The primary benefit is its extended detection window, going back up to 90 days, revealing long-term substance use patterns.
While urine tests are adept at identifying recent drug consumption, hair tests prove superior in accuracy and reliability over a much longer period, catering to employers' need for a thorough review of an individual's drug history.
Hair follicle testing in Belle Rose, LA, boasts an extended detection window, providing insight into drug use over a 90-day span. This comprehensive view surpasses traditional methods, offering a detailed picture of an individual's substance history.
The ability to detect long-term drug use makes hair tests a valuable tool for employers seeking to understand an employee's or applicant's substance habits, ensuring informed hiring and retention decisions.
In Belle Rose, LA, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant testing method, significantly minimizing risk of sample adulteration. This ensures the results remain reliable and unquestionable.
Unlike other testing methods, hair tests maintain their integrity against tampering, providing evidence that can be trusted in various professional and legal settings, safeguarding the accuracy of drug testing outcomes.
Accessing hair follicle drug testing is convenient in Belle Rose, LA, with a network of nationwide centers offering quick, hassle-free services. This widespread coverage ensures that testing is readily available to meet diverse needs.
Utilizing our local and national facilities, individuals and employers can enjoy the ease and efficiency of our services, reflecting our commitment to accessibility and client satisfaction.
In Belle Rose, LA, the process for hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use from ordering to receiving results.
Our straightforward approach ensures that individuals undergoing testing experience minimal stress, with discrete handling at every stage, further enhancing trust in our services.
Belle Rose, LA benefits from affordable pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Our competitive pricing structures provide excellent value alongside swift results, catering to companies of all sizes.
Businesses can rely on our cost-effective services without compromising on quality, enjoying the dual advantage of economy and efficiency, which is vital for business operations.
In Belle Rose, LA, hair follicle drug tests are synonymous with precision and swift results. Their remarkable accuracy in detecting substance use sets them apart from other testing methods, providing rapid, dependable outcomes.
These tests' ability to offer fast, accurate results ensures that individuals and employers can rely on the information for crucial decisions, enhancing the integrity of drug testing processes in various contexts.
Employers in Belle Rose, LA can achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks and fostering safety at the workplace.
By choosing hair testing, companies strengthen their commitment to a secure work environment, all while enjoying the benefits of reliable and comprehensive drug testing processes.
