Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term information of substances by preserving biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected adjacent to the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. It is straightforward to collect hair, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additions, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it refers strictly to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for handling a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step verifies that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid check for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective means to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be permissible in court. Any samples indicated as presumptive positives during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample test as presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations in comparison to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Needed presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing stands out in Grand Coteau, LA, as it outperforms urine tests in numerous ways. The key advantage is its extraordinary detection accuracy and reliability, especially over an extended period. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests are less susceptible to environment-induced changes, delivering more consistent results.
Employers find hair testing invaluable as its detection window surpasses that of urine tests, covering a broader timeframe. The enhanced accuracy ensures comprehensive evaluations of potential or current employees, bolstering workplace safety and compliance.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, significantly longer than other methods. This allows employers in Grand Coteau, LA, to gain insightful data on a potential or current employee's drug use history. The prolonged detection span supports better informed decision-making related to hiring and policy adherence.
Employers benefit immensely from this detailed substance history as it allows them to enforce robust hiring standards. The wider detection window ensures a thorough evaluation process, aiding in the creation of a safer and more compliant work environment.
Grand Coteau, LA, benefits from the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests. This method substantially diminishes the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring authenticity and validity. With hair testing, cheating becomes nearly impossible, providing employers with trustworthy and unquestionable findings.
The method's inherent resistance to tampering sets it apart from other drug testing strategies, making it an ideal choice for maintaining integrity in test results. Companies can thus rely on hair testing to uphold their zero-tolerance policies effectively.
Our nationwide network of testing centers ensures convenience for individuals in Grand Coteau, LA. These centers offer hassle-free and swift access to required testing services. With our local presence, clients can find a nearby location easily, fostering community trust and reliability.
We prioritize accessibility by maintaining various testing sites within reach of our clients, ensuring prompt service delivery. The widespread availability guarantees clients a seamless experience, reducing travel time and enhancing customer satisfaction.
In Grand Coteau, LA, our hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. We address privacy concerns with a seamless and secure procedure for ordering, taking, and receiving test results. Our streamlined system ensures that every step respects client confidentiality and ease of use.
The straightforward approach to hair testing alleviates potential client worries, focusing instead on their convenience. By safeguarding personal information, we ensure a trusted testing experience that underscores the importance of privacy.
Our cost-effective pricing and quick turnaround times make hair follicle testing accessible in Grand Coteau, LA. We deliver excellent value, reassuring employers of all sizes with fast, reliable results. The competitive pricing structure ensures affordability without compromising on quality.
Our efficient processing ensures swift delivery of trusted results, aiding timely decision-making. By prioritizing affordability and speed, we provide a valuable service that caters to both small and large organizations looking for dependable drug testing.
In Grand Coteau, LA, hair follicle drug tests provide rapid and precise results. The high accuracy in tracing substance use makes them superior to traditional methods. The swift analysis ensures that results are available quickly, allowing for prompt decision-making. With this fast turnaround in results, employers can maintain efficient hiring and monitoring processes.
Hair follicle testing's reliability and speed give it an edge, especially in scenarios demanding quick response times. Employers benefit significantly from the high accuracy rates, ensuring they make informed decisions based on reliable data. The efficient processing ensures minimal delays, enabling a seamless testing experience.
Employers in Grand Coteau, LA, enjoy compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method helps enforce drug-free workplace policies and minimizes legal risks. By adopting hair testing, companies enhance safety and maintain a healthy work environment, contributing to overall workplace wellness.
The reliable results and extended detection period allow organizations to adhere to safety standards and regulations with confidence. Consistent implementation of this method supports legal compliance, providing employers with the assurance of a drug-free workplace.