Hair Follicle Drug Testing - English Turn, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When harvested near the scalp, it can reveal a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, optimal for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The critical stages in processing a laboratory drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system, which includes checking that the sample is appropriately sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening comprises an introductory rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive result requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples identified as presumptively positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.

If a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is utilized from the original sample for Extraction preparation. During this process, drugs are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug testing is one of the most complex methodologies to conduct.

Positive results from screening undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation complies with standards from both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a shorter timeframe for detection.
• Difficulty in manipulation: Hair drug tests are highly resistant to tampering, enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical insight: It provides a drug use pattern over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Unable to identify recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug testing tends to be more costly than alternative testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although sometimes termed "hair follicle tests", only the hair strand is scrutinized, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

For those in English Turn, LA, hair follicle testing proves superior to urine tests in numerous ways. One of the key advantages is its ability to detect substance use over a more extended period. Unlike urine tests, which capture recent drug consumption, hair tests provide a more detailed detection window, ensuring greater accuracy and offering reliable results.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in English Turn, LA benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, which stretches up to 90 days. This allows for a broader understanding of an individual's substance use patterns, providing invaluable insights into an applicant or employee's history and aiding informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests, available in English Turn, LA, significantly reduce the risk of sample tampering. Given the collection process's observed nature, the likelihood of adulteration is minimized, providing outcomes that are both reliable and difficult to dispute. This method ensures integrity and confidence in the results obtained.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With extensive networks of testing locations nationwide, including English Turn, LA, hair follicle testing services are accessible and convenient. This ensures clients experience minimal hassle, regardless of where they are, offering quick and easy access to essential screening services.

Simple, Confidential Process

In English Turn, LA, the process for undergoing hair follicle testing is both straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, individuals can expect a seamless experience. Emphasizing privacy and user-friendliness, this method ensures that testing is done with consideration for personal concerns.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

English Turn, LA offers hair follicle testing services at competitive prices, with fast turnaround times. Companies of all sizes can benefit from the value provided, ensuring substance testing does not break the bank while achieving peace of mind thanks to rapid and reliable results.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In English Turn, LA, hair follicle testing is synonymous with speed and accuracy. These tests deliver reliable results quickly, a crucial factor for employers and legal professionals. Hair tests boast high precision in detecting a range of substances, making them an ideal choice for those requiring definitive evidence of drug use over a period.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in English Turn, LA, adopting hair follicle testing fosters compliance with rigorous workplace drug policies. This testing method not only assists in upholding a safe working environment but also mitigates legal risks. Employers can rest assured, knowing they have a robust system in place to support their drug-free policies effectively.

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