Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol intake. The structure of hair captures biomarkers over time, providing an extended history of substance exposure when gathered near the scalp, offering a detection window of up to three months for drug and alcohol usage. The collection process is straightforward, the potential for tampering is low, and the samples are easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch lock of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. We advise measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair classifications (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four key stages in the laboratory processing of drug test outcomes: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary treatment of a sample into a lab system. This phase verifies the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data input necessary beyond what the electronic chain of custody system supplies.
Screening incorporates an initial expedient assessment for drugs of abuse. Despite its cost-effectiveness for ruling out drug presence in most samples, confirming positive screens is essential for legal acceptability. Any samples presumed positive during Screening need secondary confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity at Screening, extra hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, the process involves removing drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g. urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug analysis is among the most challenging techniques.
Confirmation for any positive screen outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often mislabeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is actually conducted on the hair shaft, not below the scalp in the follicle.
Hair follicle testing provides numerous advantages over traditional urine testing methods in Centerville, LA. One of the key merits is its superior detection accuracy, capturing a broader spectrum of drug use over a longer period. Unlike urine tests, which only cover more recent use, hair follicle tests analyze substance use over the prior 90 days.
The hair test's reliability outshines that of urine testing. Its resistance to tampering and comprehensive detection capacity ensure employers receive trustworthy results. Hair testing's extended detection window proves invaluable for confirming long-term abstinence or ongoing use, offering a clearer picture than urine samples.
Hair follicle testing in Centerville, LA, offers an extended detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This extensive coverage allows employers to gain an all-encompassing view of an individual's drug use history, providing insights that go beyond the capabilities of other testing methods.
This prolonged detection period is particularly beneficial for organizations seeking to maintain a drug-free workplace. By revealing substance use patterns over three months, hair tests empower employers to make informed decisions regarding potential hires or current employees, reducing the risk of workplace incidents.
In Centerville, LA, the integrity of hair follicle testing ensures highly reliable and tamper-resistant results. The process of hair testing reduces the risk of sample adulteration substantially, offering results that are difficult to dispute and ensuring a fair assessment of an individual's substance use.
Unlike other testing methods that can be easily manipulated, hair tests require minimal handling and provide consistently accurate outcomes. This robust method of testing gives employers confidence in the testing process, safeguarding against the attempts of misrepresentation or fraud.
Residing in Centerville, LA means you have convenient access to Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide network of testing centers. This accessibility ensures that ordering and completing drug tests are both uncomplicated and efficient, offering seamless service without the hassle.
With our extensive footprint, Accredited Drug Testing guarantees quick service execution. Whether needing a test nearby or across the country, clients benefit from our widespread locations, enhancing convenience and expediting testing timelines.
The testing process in Centerville, LA is straightforward and private, ensuring peace of mind for all clients. From scheduling to receiving results, each step is designed to be simple and secure, maintaining the confidentiality of personal information and test outcomes.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures ease of use and protection of privacy throughout the testing journey. Our process minimizes complexity and concerns, emphasizing client confidentiality and ensuring that individuals feel comfortable and secure during the testing phase.
Accredited Drug Testing in Centerville, LA offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, making hair follicle testing an affordable solution for businesses of any size. Our efficient process provides excellent value, doing so without compromising on the quality and speed of service.
With a focus on affordability, we prioritize delivering top-tier services rapidly, helping companies manage their drug testing needs effectively. Our pricing structures ensure that businesses can access reliable testing without straining their budgets, benefiting from both cost savings and quick feedback.
The speed and precision of hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched reliability in Centerville, LA. With a high accuracy rate in identifying substance use, hair tests provide quick and conclusive results, making them a trusted method for detecting drug use. Accredited Drug Testing ensures fast results, facilitating quick decision-making for employers and individuals alike.
Hair follicle tests stand out due to their capability to deliver prompt and accurate results. This efficiency is crucial for those who need timely information, ensuring that substance use is detected reliably and decisions can be made without unnecessary delays. Customers in Centerville, LA, benefit from this rapid and precise approach.
For employers in Centerville, LA, hair follicle testing provides compliance assurance and peace of mind by upholding drug-free workplace policies. This method supports legal conformity, minimizes risks, and enhances the overall safety of the workplace by providing accurate and reliable results.
By employing hair tests, employers not only adhere to regulatory standards but also reduce potential liabilities. This approach ensures a safer working environment, protecting both the business and its employees from the ramifications of substance abuse in the workplace.