Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Echo, LA

What it is, How it works

Evaluating substance use through hair analysis is recognized as a formidable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term traces of substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands during growth. When taken from a location near the roots, hair can indicate drug or alcohol use over an estimated three-month period. Hair sampling is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to falsify, and simple to dispatch.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) in proximity to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, marking it as the preferred amount for both screening and validation. For EtG, add-on tests, or screenings exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. The term head hair refers specifically to scalp hair exclusively. In contrast, body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure for determining a drug test outcome comprises four pivotal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the inaugural step of introducing a specimen into the lab's framework. It ensures the sample was securely sealed and correctly sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional information entry beyond what is available from an electronic control system.

Screening carries out a preliminary rapid analysis for drugs of abuse. Although it is an economical approach to dismiss drug consumption in most cases, a positive screening must be validated to be legally credible. Samples that presumptively test positive during Screening necessitate secondary verification.

Upon a presumptive positive result during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample and gets ready for Extraction. Here, substances are removed from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to urine or oral fluid, making hair analysis the most challenging methodology to execute.

Validation of any positive screening result occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before necessary confirmation. The full lab protocol from Accessioning through Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair endorsement and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extensive detection span: Hair drug evaluations reveal substance use up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a briefer detection time frame.
• Cheat-proof: Manipulating hair drug test outcomes is exceedingly hard, enhancing accuracy.
• Yoields historical insights: This test displays drug usage trends over time, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of identifying recent usage: It takes roughly 5-7 days before drugs are traceable in hair.
• Price: Hair drug examinations tend to be pricier relative to alternative drug testing methods.
• Results variation: Aspects like hair pigmentation and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Commonly dubbed as "hair follicle tests", this test scrutinizes the strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Echo, LA, hair follicle testing offers clear advantages over traditional urine tests. Hair testing provides superior detection accuracy and extended detection windows, making it a preferred choice for those seeking reliable drug screening.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing presents an extended detection window in Echo, LA, capable of revealing drug use patterns for up to 90 days.
This comprehensive historical view helps employers make informed decisions regarding potential hires and current employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Echo, LA sees a significant reduction in sample tampering risks with hair follicle tests. These tests not only ensure sample security but provide unquestionable results that enhance the integrity of the screening process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Echo, LA, the convenience of using our nationwide and local testing centers is unparalleled. Easy access ensures that individuals can quickly and effortlessly participate in testing services without unnecessary hassle.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process in Echo, LA is both simple and confidential. Ordering, undergoing, and receiving results are streamlined to ensure privacy and ease, addressing the needs and concerns of individuals seeking discretion and simplicity.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Echo, LA offers competitive pricing with quick turnaround times, reinforcing our affordability and value. Companies, regardless of size, can benefit from excellent service without compromising on quality or speed.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Residents of Echo, LA can enjoy precise and swift outcomes from hair follicle drug screenings, an aspect highly valued by those seeking meticulous substance usage checks.
Known for their high reliability, these tests offer prompt results that can decisively determine the presence of substances.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Echo, LA can enjoy compliance combined with peace of mind through hair follicle testing. By adhering to drug-free workplace policies, businesses can minimize legal risks while promoting a safe working environment.

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