Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. The hair captures biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows, offering a long-term record of substance use. When sampled near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to alter, and simple to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for analysis and validation. For additional EtG, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for specimen measurement is recommended. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step in incorporating a sample into the lab’s system, which includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and transported, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any remaining data not already available via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a rapid preliminary drug check. Though cost-effective for initially ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screening must be confirmed for court admissibility. Any samples showing presumptive positives in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
For a sample presumed positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drug extraction is performed at a much lower concentration from hair compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), which makes hair drug testing one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technology. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation if required. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis involves the hair strand, not the follicle found under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Harvey, LA
In the comparison between hair follicle and urine testing, the former excels with its precision and dependability. Offering a broader detection window, hair testing identifies past substance use more effectively than traditional urine tests. In Harvey, this leads to superior results, reducing the risk of oversight and ensuring enhanced detection capabilities for accurate assessments.
Extended Detection Window in Harvey, LA
Hair follicle testing offers a substantial detection duration, stretching back up to 90 days. This extended timeframe provides employers in Harvey with a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, important for informed decision-making. The method helps uncover patterns of usage that shorter-span tests might miss, offering a thorough understanding of an employee's or applicant's history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Harvey, LA
In Harvey, hair follicle drug testing offers a robust solution against sample tampering. Unlike other methods vulnerable to adulteration, hair samples are challenging to alter, ensuring test integrity. This reliability means you can trust the results, making it a crucial component of effective drug screening and thwarting attempts to deceive testing protocols.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Harvey, LA
Our testing facilities across the nation, including those in Harvey, provide unrivaled convenience for hair follicle testing. Quick and accessible, these centers ensure easy scheduling and service. Clients benefit from the streamlined processes and localized attention, making the testing procedure efficient while maintaining high standards of service.
Simple, Confidential Process in Harvey, LA
Our approach in Harvey ensures a straightforward and private experience for hair follicle testing. The process from ordering to receiving results is seamless, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use. Clients can rely on this discreet service, assured of confidentiality every step of the way, fostering trust and peace of mind in their testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Harvey, LA
We offer competitive pricing strategies paired with rapid result delivery in Harvey. Our hair follicle testing provides exceptional value without compromising on speed and accuracy. Companies, regardless of size, benefit from this balance of affordability and quality, underscoring our commitment to cost-effective and time-efficient drug testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Harvey, LA
Hair follicle testing in Harvey promises swift and dependable results, offering unmatched precision. This process excels at identifying substance use, making it a favored choice for accuracy. With a streamlined collection and analysis procedure, clients can expect efficient and effective outcomes, ensuring only the correct results are provided.
The method's speed and reliability afford organizations the ability to make informed decisions with confidence.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Harvey, LA
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Harvey ensures employers remain compliant with drug-free workplace policies. This method aids in minimizing legal liabilities, fostering a safer work environment. Companies adopting this testing align with regulatory standards and enhance workplace integrity, offering reassurance and reducing potential risks associated with substance use.
