Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a longitudinal record of alcohol and other substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When taken near the scalp, hair may offer a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (around the diameter of a #2 pencil) from nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is advised. It is recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable volume of body hair may be taken. Scalp hair refers specifically to head hair, while body hair encompasses all other varieties (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in the lab involves four pivotal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the preliminary processing of a sample within a lab’s framework. This step ensures proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial swift evaluation for substances of abuse. Although cost-effective for excluding drug presence in the majority of samples, a positive screen needs to be validated to be admissible legally. Any samples showing a presumptive positive during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If Screening yields a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations in comparison to alternative methods (like urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening a demanding method to execute.
The confirmation step for any positive screening result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples undergo a cleansing before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation by the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", this test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Innis, LA reveals significant advantages. Hair testing provides greater detection accuracy, uncovering substances that may not be found in a urinalysis. This method excels in reliability, offering a broader detection window and reducing the possibilities of evasion. The enhanced accuracy makes it a superior choice for those requiring definitive test results.
With its extended detection window, hair follicle testing in Innis, LA, surpasses other methods by covering drug use for up to 90 days. This comprehensive period allows employers to fully assess an individual's substance habits. Such a long analysis window provides a detailed view of a person's drug history, contributing to more informed decision-making in employment and other critical areas.
The robustness of hair follicle testing in Innis, LA, lies in its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other methods, it significantly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, delivering results that are both reliable and beyond doubt. This method ensures the integrity of the testing process, reinforcing confidence in the accuracy of the drug use evaluation.
Convenience is paramount with our nationwide testing centers, including those in Innis, LA. We ensure easy access to drug testing services with minimal hassle. These strategically located facilities allow individuals and companies to conduct hair follicle testing effortlessly, promoting prompt and efficient service across varied locations.
The hair follicle testing process in Innis, LA is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the process respects individual privacy while ensuring ease of use. Concerns about confidentiality are addressed, making the testing navigation smooth and reassuring to users focused on privacy.
Offering competitive pricing, our hair follicle testing services in Innis, LA are complemented by rapid result delivery. This balance of affordability and quick turnaround times ensures exceptional value, catering to organizations of varying sizes. Companies benefit from cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or speed.
In Innis, LA, hair follicle testing stands out due to the speed and accuracy of its results. This method ensures a high degree of precision in identifying substance use, offering reliable data swiftly. Not only is it accurate, but results are obtained quickly, ensuring that substance history is evaluated without undue delay. The rapid, accurate analysis benefits those needing comprehensive insights into potential drug use.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Innis, LA, bolsters employer confidence by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal exposures and underscores a commitment to maintaining a safe and secure work environment. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they have a reliable mechanism to enforce and verify their zero-tolerance policies.