Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Through hair testing, one can efficiently detect drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within its fibers during growth. Hair collected near the scalp can offer a detection period stretching roughly up to three months for both alcohol and other drugs. The method of hair collection is straightforward, proves somewhat resistant to tampering, and can be transported with ease.
A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches and comprising approximately 200 strands (akin to the circumference of a #2 pencil) taken as close as possible to the scalp, yields around 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For tests involving EtG add-ons or those extending beyond 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for exact measurement. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair might be utilized. When we mention head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other varieties (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug test process encompasses four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the primary step of integrating a sample into the laboratory's framework. It entails verifying that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any necessary data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as a preliminary rapid assessment for detecting drug abuse. Although Screening serves as a cost-efficient means to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result mandates confirmation for judicial approval. Samples that are initially positive in Screening demand subsequent confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. During Extraction, drugs are withdrawn from hair at considerably reduced concentrations compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening stands as the most challenging methodology.
Positive screening outcomes are validated through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS procedures. All samples testing presumptively positive undergo cleaning before confirmation, as needed. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the examination actually encompasses the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to conventional urine tests in Forest, LA, the former emerges as a superior option due to its enhanced detection accuracy and dependability. Hair tests are not only proficient in detecting a wider range of substances but also offer a longer window of detection. This makes them a favorable choice for situations requiring thorough and precise substance evaluation.
In Forest, LA, one distinct advantage of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, up to 90 days. This capability provides employers with a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history, far surpassing the brief detection periods typical of urine tests. Such insights are vital for informed employment decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Forest, LA, significantly mitigates tampering risks, thereby ensuring reliable and incontestable outcomes. Unlike other methods, hair tests are less susceptible to sample adulteration, providing a degree of assurance essential for maintaining the integrity of test results. This reliability makes it a trusted method among employers and testing authorities.
With numerous nationwide testing centers and accessible local facilities in Forest, LA, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that obtaining a hair follicle test is both quick and convenient. The widespread availability of our centers simplifies the testing process, eliminating unnecessary hassles and facilitating seamless access for all clients.
In Forest, LA, the process of hair follicle testing remains straightforward and private, from initial order to result retrieval. This confidential approach reassures individuals about their privacy while maintaining ease of use. Our services are designed to ensure a smooth experience, addressing any privacy concerns head-on.
Accredited Drug Testing in Forest, LA, offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, ensuring excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Our commitment to affordability does not compromise on the quality or speed of results, providing companies with cost-effective and efficient testing solutions.
In Forest, LA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their rapid and dependable results, offering remarkable precision in substance detection. This modern testing technique ensures that individuals and employers can trust the accuracy of the results. Turnaround times are swift, making it a preferable choice for those seeking timely and reliable outcomes.
Employers in Forest, LA, seeking to uphold drug-free workplace policies find hair follicle testing an effective compliance tool. This method reduces legal concerns and enhances workplace safety, offering peace of mind. Utilizing such tests demonstrates a commitment to a secure and responsible work environment.
