Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as an effective means for identifying substance use, hair analysis offers an extensive timeline of alcohol and drug consumption by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growth. Hair sampled near the scalp can reveal drug or alcohol consumption up to roughly a three-month period, making collection straightforward, tampering challenging, and shipping effortless.
A 1.5-inch portion encompassing approximately 200 hairs (similar to the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp typically supplies 100mg, the optimal quantity for assessment and verification. For EtG supplemental and/or over 10-panel tests, 150mg is preferred. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unobtainable, equivalent body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure in the laboratory for generating a drug test outcome involves Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab’s infrastructure. This step verifies the sample’s proper sealing and transport, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data registration required in the absence of an electronic custody chain.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse indicators. While Screening provides a cost-efficient method for excluding drug consumption in most samples, a positive result necessitates validation to stand in legal settings. Any samples suspected of a positive result in Screening require further confirmation.
In cases where a sample exhibits a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are drawn out from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (ex. urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening methodologies.
Confirmation of any preliminary positive involves GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples suspected to be positive undergo cleansing before confirmation if required. The complete laboratory chain, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) for Hair and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the actual analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp
Why Hair Testing Triumphs Over Urine Testing in Bolinger, LA
Long-Term Detection Capabilities in Bolinger, LA
The superior detection window of hair follicle tests extends up to 90 days, which is transformative compared to a shorter duration offered by urine tests.
This longer time frame enables employers in Bolinger to gain a holistic view of an individual’s substance history.
Secure and Tamper-Resistant Testing in Bolinger, LA
Convenient Testing Locations in Bolinger, LA
Our nationwide network of testing centers offers simplified access, ensuring that both local and nationwide needs are met efficiently.
Simplified, Confidential Testing Process in Bolinger, LA
Our testing is designed with simplicity and privacy at the forefront, guaranteeing easy ordering, discreet collection, and secure result delivery.
Competitive Pricing and Rapid Turnaround in Bolinger, LA
In Bolinger, LA, hair follicle testing promises quick, precise, and trustworthy outcomes. Its ability to accurately detect various substances sets it apart from other methods.
High Accuracy: Hair tests excel in identifying substance use, ensuring dependable results.
Rapid Processing: Bolinger's services are designed for efficiency, offering timely test results that meet the fast-paced demands of different stakeholders.
Employer Compliance and Assurance in Bolinger, LA
