Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is perceived as a potent method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended chronological record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the maturing hair strand. When cut near the scalp, hair can deliver roughly a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, a bit challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp can yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar amount of body hair is acceptable. When we mention head hair, we're specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types (e.g., facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The core steps in laboratory processing of a drug test result involve Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a specimen into the lab's system. It involves confirming the sample's seal and shipping accuracy, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any supplementary data input missing from an electronic chain of custody record.
Screening constitutes a preliminary examination for drug abuse. This step is an economical technique to exclude drug use in most samples, but a positive screen must be confirmed for legal acceptance. Any samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation test.
For samples with a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing one of the most complex methods to execute.
Confirmation of any initial positive finding is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo cleaning before confirmation if required. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests," the test evaluates the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Denham Springs, LA
Hair follicle tests offer superior detection capabilities over traditional urine tests in Denham Springs. They provide enhanced accuracy and reliability, making them ideal for organizations demanding stringent drug use monitoring. The ability to capture a longer drug history adds significant value compared to the limited scope of urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Denham Springs, LA
In Denham Springs, hair follicle testing shines with its extended detection window, tracing drug use back up to 90 days. This comprehensive timeline is invaluable for employers seeking an accurate picture of an individual's substance use history, ensuring informed decisions about hiring and workplace safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Denham Springs, LA
Hair follicle testing in Denham Springs offers a tamper-resistant solution, vastly reducing the potential for sample adulteration. This method achieves reliable, indisputable results, granting employers and legal authorities confidence in the integrity of the test outcomes, crucial for maintaining trust in drug testing procedures.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Denham Springs, LA
Our nationwide network of testing locations, including local facilities in Denham Springs, ensures testing services are conveniently accessible. This widespread availability simplifies the testing process, enabling quick and efficient access without hassle, which is crucial for maintaining operational flow.
Simple, Confidential Process in Denham Springs, LA
Embarking on hair follicle testing in Denham Springs involves a straightforward, confidential process. Ordering, testing, and receiving results are streamlined, with privacy concerns well-addressed, ensuring users find the service easy to use and discreet, crucial for maintaining personal and professional integrity.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Denham Springs, LA
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times offer excellent value for companies in Denham Springs. This affordability combined with swift processing ensures businesses of any size can access premium drug testing services without financial strain, ensuring peace of mind through prompt results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Denham Springs, LA
The precision of hair follicle drug tests in Denham Springs is unparalleled, delivering rapidly accurate results. This method detects substances in a detailed manner, ensuring an exceptionally high rate of accuracy when identifying drug use. These benefits make hair testing superior when rapid and trustworthy outcomes are necessary.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Denham Springs, LA
Using hair follicle testing conforms to workplace drug-free standards, minimizing legal risks while enhancing safety. This ensures compliance and peace of mind for employers in Denham Springs, safeguarding against potential drug use liabilities and fostering a secure work environment.