Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by encasing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When acquired near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for substances. Hair is easy to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch portion comprising about 200 hair strands (roughly pencil-thick) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be taken. When discussing head hair, it strictly pertains to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair includes all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal steps in the lab processing of a drug test result are: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This step confirms the sample was securely sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any supplemental data not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid drug abuse check. Though screening is a financially efficient way to eliminate drug usage from most samples, legal acceptance requires a positive screen to undergo confirmation. All samples giving a presumptive positive in Screening must go through a subsequent confirmation.
If any sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair is drawn from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration compared to alternative methods (like urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is one of the most challenging methods to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen result occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Creola, LA
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in Creola due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests offer more recent usage detection, hair tests provide a broader detection window and are less susceptible to manipulation, ensuring more honest results.
Extended Detection Window in Creola, LA
Hair testing offers a significantly longer detection window, up to 90 days, making it invaluable for employers in Creola who need insight into an employee's extended substance history. This thorough overview aids in assessing long-term substance use patterns more effectively than conventional methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Creola, LA
Hair follicle tests in Creola greatly minimize the likelihood of sample tampering, providing highly reliable and unquestionable outcomes. This intrinsic resistance to adulteration ensures the integrity of the test results, which is instrumental for maintaining fairness and accuracy.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Creola, LA
Our extensive network of testing centers, including local branches in Creola, facilitates easy and hassle-free access to drug testing services. This national availability ensures that wherever you are, a testing facility is within reach.
Simple, Confidential Process in Creola, LA
The hair follicle testing process in Creola is straightforward and discreet. From ordering the test to obtaining results, each step respects and maintains participant confidentiality, making it an accessible and worry-free option for all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Creola, LA
We offer competitive pricing structures and rapid result delivery while ensuring excellent value. Our affordable services in Creola cater to businesses of any size, ensuring cost-effective and swift access to crucial testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Creola, LA
Hair follicle drug tests in Creola offer unparalleled precision and speed. They stand out as highly effective in detecting even low-level substance use. The swift turnaround time ensures that employers and other stakeholders receive results quickly, reinforcing decision-making processes with confidence.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Creola, LA
Adopting hair follicle testing in Creola ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies and minimizes legal risks, contributing to a safer working environment. This approach offers employers peace of mind by demonstrating a commitment to upholding community standards.
