Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as a potent means for detecting substance usage. Hair records a prolonged history of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair offers up to around a 3-month detection period for substances like alcohol. It is convenient to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels beyond 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is recommended to measure the sample with a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent body hair quantity might be used. When mentioning head hair, it implies scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all alternate hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in lab processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary input of a specimen into a lab's system. This involves checking that the specimen was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial brief assessment for substance misuse. Though Screening is economical for negating drug use in most samples, a positive outcome necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples that appear positive at Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If Screening shows a sample as potentially positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than in methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug analysis the most complex methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing potential positivity are cleansed before confirmation as required. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory procedure undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Center Point, LA
Hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. This method outperforms urine sampling, especially in situations where long-term drug use monitoring is critical for employers or legal requirements.
Extended Detection Window in Center Point, LA
Hair follicle testing is favored for its ability to detect drug use spanning up to 90 days. This broad detection window provides employers with a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, facilitating better decision-making in hiring or employment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Center Point, LA
The hair follicle test significantly minimizes the potential for adulteration. By employing a testing method that provides reliable and indisputable results, it reduces the risk of sample tampering compared to traditional methods.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Center Point, LA
Our testing services are conveniently accessible with nationwide centers, including strategic locations in Center Point, LA, offering stress-free accessibility to quick testing. This ensures that clients have easy availability for all testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Center Point, LA
The hair follicle testing process is straightforward and maintains confidentiality throughout the ordering, testing, and results phases. This approach addresses privacy concerns and ensures ease of use for all clients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Center Point, LA
Offering competitive pricing and swift result delivery, our hair follicle testing services offer great value to businesses of all sizes, assuring them peace of mind and operational efficiency without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Center Point, LA
Hair follicle tests in Center Point, LA, guarantee precision and promptness. Their high level of accuracy ensures dependable results, promptly delivered to clients. The efficiency and reliability of this method make it a superior choice for detecting substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Center Point, LA
Using hair follicle testing ensures employers align with drug-free work policies, mitigates legal risks, and elevates workplace safety. This solid testing practice allows employers to maintain a secure and compliant environment.
