Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended record of alcohol and substance use by trapping specific markers within the strands as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair can indicate alcohol and drug presence over a roughly 3-month period. It's straightforward to gather, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of about 200 strands (comparable in diameter to a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for both preliminary and subsequent analysis. For EtG, additional testing, and/or assessments beyond ten panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for accurate measurement. If there's no scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair is a suitable alternative. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair alone. Body hair encompasses all other types such as facial or underarm hair.
Process Overview
Drug test result processing in a lab comprises four core stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step involving integrating a sample into a lab's database. This step includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any needed data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves a quick preliminary check for substance use. It is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage on most samples, but a positive screen must be confirmed to hold up in legal settings. Any samples testing positive in Screening require an additional confirmation step.
In cases where the initial Screening indicates a positive result, more hair is taken from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are separated from hair at concentrations far lower than those in other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis one of the most challenging methods to implement.
Verification of all positive screening outcomes is undertaken using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating a presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation as deemed necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny per both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Pros of hair drug analysis:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine testing in Doyline, LA, hair tests have clear advantages. Their enhanced detection accuracy makes them more reliable in identifying past substance use. Additionally, the longevity of detectable traces in hair samples ensures comprehensive evaluations, which urine tests, limited to shorter detection windows, cannot match.
The extended detection capacity of hair follicle testing in Doyline, LA, makes it the preferred choice for evaluating substance use over a longer timeframe. Capable of tracing drug use history up to 90 days, these tests provide a holistic insight into an individual’s substance habits. This feature is particularly valuable for employers seeking to review long-term substance use in their workforce.
Hair follicle tests stand out in Doyline, LA, due to their tamper-resistant nature. This testing method greatly minimizes chances of sample adulteration, offering results that are both credible and conclusive. In contrast to easily alterable methods, hair testing ensures sample integrity, providing unmatched confidence in test outcomes.
In Doyline, LA, the accessibility of our widespread testing locations simplifies the drug testing process. With numerous centers across the nation, we ensure timely, user-friendly access to our top-notch testing services, allowing individuals and organizations alike to benefit from prompt and efficient solutions.
The hair follicle testing procedure in Doyline, LA, prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality at each stage, from ordering to result acquisition. Our streamlined process ensures that user privacy is respected while maintaining ease of use, addressing any concerns about transparency and security effectively.
Our services in Doyline, LA, offer competitive pricing along with swift result turnaround, making them budget-friendly for businesses of all sizes. By balancing affordability with remarkable efficiency, our testing services deliver outstanding value, ensuring client satisfaction and confidence in our ability to meet critical needs.
In Doyline, LA, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, precise, and reliable results. The efficiency of these tests lies in their rapid processing and unparalleled accuracy in identifying substance use. Compared to alternative testing methods, hair follicle tests deliver clearer, more trustworthy results in less time, ensuring that results meet the high standards of modern testing demands.
Employers in Doyline, LA, who integrate hair follicle testing into their policies gain both compliance and reassurance. By aligning with workplace drug-free standards, these tests decrease legal liabilities and bolster workplace safety. Consequently, employers enjoy peace of mind knowing they uphold not only company policies but also contribute to a safer, drug-free environment.
