Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by securing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can provide a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. It's recommended to measure the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When head hair is mentioned, it refers solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair kinds (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal phases in laboratory handling of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial sample entry into a lab’s system. This step involves confirming the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial quick analysis for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in court. Therefore, any presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fenton, LA
Hair follicle drug testing offers several benefits over traditional urine tests. In Fenton, these tests are preferred for their superior detection accuracy. With a longer detection window, they provide a more comprehensive analysis. As they are nearly impossible to adulterate, the reliability of these tests surpasses the standard urine analysis.
Extended Detection Window in Fenton, LA
Hair follicle testing in Fenton offers a remarkable advantage due to its extended detection period. Spanning up to 90 days, these tests allow employers to gain a detailed overview of an individual's substance use history. This provides a broader understanding compared to shorter detection periods of alternative testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fenton, LA
In Fenton, hair follicle testing serves as a significantly tamper-proof method. By minimizing the risk of sample adulteration, these tests assure employers of reliable and unquestionable outcomes. The safeguard against manipulation ensures that the results reflect true substance use patterns.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fenton, LA
Our extensive network of testing centers, including those in Fenton, LA, ensures convenience for all. Hair follicle testing services are accessible nationwide, making the process quick and hassle-free. This allows individuals and companies to benefit from the easy accessibility to reliable testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fenton, LA
The hair follicle testing procedure in Fenton is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, the process upholds privacy while being user-friendly. Addressing concerns about data privacy ensures a smooth and secure testing experience for all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fenton, LA
Fenton offers competitive pricing structures for hair follicle testing, emphasizing affordability without compromising quality. With a quick turnaround time, these services deliver excellent value, suiting companies of all sizes, offering peace of mind with both cost-effective and timely results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fenton, LA
In Fenton, LA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and accuracy. This testing method is not only efficient but delivers highly precise results in detecting substance usage. The accuracy of hair testing ensures reliable outcomes, reducing the possibility of errors, making it superior to traditional methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fenton, LA
Employers in Fenton can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. By reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, these tests offer peace of mind. Assurance of policy adherence brings confidence in maintaining a safer, healthier work environment.