Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures biomarkers from alcohol and drugs within the strands as they grow, providing a protracted historical record. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal usage information for a window extending up to about three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is convenient.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is considered optimal for analysis. For EtG, additional testing, and panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is preferable. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The primary steps involved in processing drug test samples in a laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial process of entering a sample into the laboratory's system. This step includes verifying proper sealing and shipment of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data not entered electronically.
Screening initiates a rapid assessment for the presence of illicit substances. Although cost-effective for indicating drug use in most cases, any positive result from screening must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further verification.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial collection and prepared for the Extraction phase. In this process, drugs are withdrawn from the hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing more intricate.
Positive results in screening undergo verification through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptively positive samples receive a prior wash before confirmation, following the laboratory protocol under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes called "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Independence, LA
Hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over urine tests. In Independence, LA, these advantages highlight superior detection accuracy and reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Independence, LA
Hair follicle testing in Independence, LA, captures drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This duration allows employers to assess an individual's longer-term substance use history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Independence, LA
Hair follicle tests in Independence, LA, provide a robust method for reducing sample adulteration.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Independence, LA
Access to hair follicle testing in Independence, LA, is made easy with our nationwide and local testing centers.
Simple, Confidential Process in Independence, LA
In Independence, LA, the process of ordering and completing a hair follicle test is straightforward and private.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Independence, LA
Hair follicle tests in Independence, LA, are offered with competitive pricing, along with fast result turnaround times.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Independence, LA
In Independence, LA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed. These tests offer high accuracy, ensuring reliable detection of substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Independence, LA
Employers in Independence, LA, can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies using hair follicle testing.
