Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a formidable means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a prolonged historical record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the growing fiber of the hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of roughly three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or more than 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a corresponding amount of body hair may be used. Scalp hair specifically refers to head hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This entails confirming proper sealing and shipment of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial and swift assessment for drugs of misuse. Despite Screening being an economical method to exclude drug use from most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be permissible in legal settings. Samples flagged as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
In cases where a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and readied for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at a significantly lesser concentration than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), establishing hair drug screening as the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening findings is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation, as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Gorum, LA
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests are common, hair testing stands out by providing an accurate reflection of long-term substance use. This method surpasses urine testing in its ability to deliver a more comprehensive insight into an individual's drug use, making it an invaluable tool for various organizations in Gorum.
Extended Detection Window in Gorum, LA
One of the primary benefits of hair follicle testing is its capacity to detect drug use over an extended period, reaching up to 90 days. This gives employers a complete understanding of an applicant or employee's substance use history, unlike other testing methods that only provide short-term insights. As such, hair testing is an essential asset for employers seeking thorough and reliable background checks.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Gorum, LA
The hair follicle drug test significantly cut down the chances of sample tampering, providing results that are reliable and steadfast. Unlike traditional testing methods, these tests are administered in such a way that makes altering samples extremely difficult, ensuring that the results accurately reflect the individual's substance use history.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Gorum, LA
Accredited Drug Testing provides testing facilities across the nation, ensuring easy and hassle-free access wherever you might be. In Gorum, LA, local testing locations make obtaining a hair follicle drug test straightforward and convenient. This broad network enables quick and efficient testing for individuals and employers alike, offering unparalleled accessibility.
Simple, Confidential Process in Gorum, LA
Our hair follicle drug testing process in Gorum is designed to be simple and confidential, addressing concerns regarding privacy and ease of use. From ordering the test to obtaining results, each step is conducted with discretion, ensuring that individual privacy is respected and upheld, thus providing an unfettered testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Gorum, LA
With competitive pricing structures and fast turnaround times, our hair follicle drug tests offer excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Affordable and efficient, these tests ensure that organizations can conduct necessary drug screenings without unnecessary delays, providing peace of mind and cost-effective solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Gorum, LA
Hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision in swiftly detecting substance use, offering an advantage in accuracy compared to other testing forms. These tests provide reliable evidence, ensuring that results truly reflect an individual's substance use history. Their fast processing contributes to their high efficacy, making them a preferred choice for immediate and actionable results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Gorum, LA
By adopting hair follicle tests, employers can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies, thereby minimizing legal risks and enhancing the safety of their workplace. These tests not only assure adherence to regulations but also provide peace of mind, knowing that the working environment is secure and substance-free.