Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the strands, hair offers an extended record of substance use. When samples are taken near the scalp, they can yield a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hairs (equivalent to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp can provide a 100mg sample, ideal for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG tests, supplements, or beyond 10-panel tests, a 150mg sample is advised. It's suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equal portion of body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result generally follows four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system, ensuring that it has been properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing further data entry if missing from the electronic chain of custody.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drugs, serving as a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug usage for most samples. However, to be valid in a legal setting, a positive screen requires confirmation. Any presumptive positive samples in Screening need secondary verification.
During Extraction, if Screening suggests a positive result, further hair is taken from the original sample. Drugs are extracted at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing a challenging process.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are used to confirm positive screening results. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited by ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Haaswood, LA, is evidenced by its advantages in detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair tests are less susceptible to evasion tactics, ensuring reliable results. This method provides a longer detection period, making it more effective for identifying long-term substance use, ultimately offering a more comprehensive screening.
Extended Detection Window in Haaswood, LA, is a notable benefit of hair follicle tests. Capable of detecting drug use over a span of up to 90 days, these tests provide employers with a thorough view of an individual's substance history, unlike traditional methods that offer a much shorter review period.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Haaswood, LA, emphasizes the hair follicle test's superiority in reducing sample adulteration risks. This method ensures the delivery of reliable and unmistakable results, setting a higher standard for accuracy and trustworthiness in drug testing practices.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations ensure swift and accessible services in Haaswood, LA. Our local and nationwide centers offer quick and hassle-free access to drug testing facilities, making it easier for individuals and businesses to conduct essential testing without disruption.
Simple, Confidential Process in Haaswood, LA, underlines the ease and privacy of our testing services. From ordering to receiving results, we prioritize confidentiality and simplicity, addressing any privacy concerns and ensuring an efficient and user-friendly experience for all participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Haaswood, LA, highlight the value of our services. With competitive pricing and swift result delivery, we ensure that companies of all sizes receive significant value and timely insights, contributing to well-informed decision-making processes.
Hair follicle drug tests in Haaswood, LA, are renowned for their precision and speed. The accuracy of these tests is unparalleled, making them a reliable choice for detecting substance use. Quickly processed results ensure that individuals and employers get the data they need without delay, offering peace of mind through their reliable performance.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Haaswood, LA, is significantly enhanced by hair follicle testing. By ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies, it mitigates legal risks and bolsters workplace safety, offering employers security and assurance in their hiring and continued employment practices.