Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the structure of the growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair offers a potential detection range reaching nearly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp secures 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation. When testing for EtG or higher than 10-panel screenings, 150mg of hair is advisable. Measuring the specimen with a jeweler's scale is suggested. If scalp hair cannot be collected, an equivalent mass of body hair is acceptable. Reference to head hair specifically means scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal stages in laboratory processing for a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning incorporates the primary integration of a sample into the laboratory system. This stage verifies correct sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data input that an electronic chain of custody system might not provide.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is an economical way to exclude drug use in most specimens, a positive result in a screen mandates further confirmation for court validity. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at a much lower concentration than alternative techniques (such as urine or oral fluids), rendering hair drug screening one of the most challenging methods to perform.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Presumptive positive samples are washed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the assessment actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
The preference for hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Empire, LA is growing. Hair tests provide enhanced accuracy and longer detection times, making them more dependable. While urine tests may miss substances soon after use, hair testing offers consistent, verifiable results over a longer period.
With a detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle tests in Empire, LA offer a comprehensive look into an individual's substance history. This extended period allows employers to make informed decisions by assessing drug use patterns well beyond the limited scope of urine tests.
Hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant solution to drug testing in Empire, LA. The robustness of this testing method minimizes the chance of sample manipulation, ensuring that results are both reliable and trustworthy, offering assurance to employers and administrators alike.
With our convenient nationwide testing centers, including local facilities in Empire, LA, accessing drug testing services is hassle-free. Our wide network ensures you can quickly find a location that suits your needs, catering to both local and nationwide clients efficiently.
Our drug testing process in Empire, LA prioritizes a simple and confidential approach. Clients benefit from an easy order and testing procedure, alongside discreet result handling, ensuring privacy and peace of mind throughout the entire process.
Offering affordable pricing with quick turnaround times, our services in Empire, LA provide excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Competitive rates and fast results ensure that companies receive quality services without excessive costs.
Hair follicle tests in Empire, LA stand out due to their swift and precise results. These tests offer exceptional accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring that results are both reliable and prompt. This efficiency is essential for employers and individuals seeking results they can trust without extensive delays.
For employers in Empire, LA, hair follicle testing ensures compliance and peace of mind. By integrating these tests into workplace protocols, companies uphold drug-free policies, minimizing legal troubles and promoting a safer work environment.
