Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing increasingly stands out as a formidable approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can record a prolonged narrative of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. Collected from near the scalp, hair offers around a three-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. It’s easy to gather, relatively hard to adulterate, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those surpassing 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, including facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This phase includes checking the sample's seal and shipping integrity, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any additional data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While this step is an economical means to dismiss drug usage for most samples, a positive outcome on the screen necessitates confirmation for legal standards. Screening-positive samples mandate a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample exhibit a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than through other methods such as urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening a notably challenging technique to perform.
Confirmation follows any positive screen result through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criterion and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
Located in Hopedale, LA, hair testing proves superior to urine testing by providing a reliable detection solution for drug use. This method covers a broader detection window with greater accuracy.
Extended Detection Window
In Hopedale, LA, hair follicle testing offers a prolonged detection window of up to 90 days, surpassing traditional methods. Employers gain a comprehensive insight into an individual's substance use history, proving beneficial for thorough assessments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle tests in Hopedale, LA, significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering, ensuring the integrity of test results. This method makes it practically impossible to falsify results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Benefit from the ease of accessing hair follicle testing services with numerous centers throughout Hopedale, LA. This accessibility ensures a smooth testing experience.
Simple, Confidential Process
The process in Hopedale, LA is designed to be straightforward and discreet, addressing privacy and ease of use concerns efficiently with hair follicle tests.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Our hair follicle testing in Hopedale, LA is competitively priced to ensure affordable access for businesses of any size. Quick turnaround times make it an effective choice.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Hopedale, LA, hair follicle drug tests offer quick and precise results, allowing for efficient decision-making. The accuracy rate in substance detection is exceptionally high, making it a preferred choice for employers who prioritize speed and precision.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Hopedale, LA, benefit from hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with strict drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal implications and enhances safety standards.