Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a strong method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a comprehensive record of substance use, as biomarkers get encapsulated in the hair strand fibers during growth. When taken from the scalp, it enables detection of alcohol and drugs for up to around three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hairs (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, the optimum quantity for testing and validation. For EtG, additional substances, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. It's beneficial to measure the hair weight using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, equivalent body hair can be secured. Referencing head hair solely pertains to scalp hair. Body hair includes other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introductory stage where a sample is entered into the laboratory's system. This step involves checking that the sample's seal and shipment are intact, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as an initial examination for drug presence. Though Screening is economical for most samples to dismiss drug use, a positive outcome needs verification to be legally credible. Samples flagged as positives during Screening demand a confirmation step.
In cases where a sample tests positive during the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for Preparation. In this step, drugs are drawn from hair at lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening the most intricate method to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening result utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, if required. The entire laboratory operation from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests," the assessment examines the hair strand, not the follicle underneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Jamestown, LA
Hair follicle testing offers numerous advantages over traditional urine tests. It stands out due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which can only reveal recent substance use, hair testing offers results covering a more extended duration. This superiority in detection makes it a preferred choice for employers seeking thorough screening results.
Extended Detection Window in Jamestown, LA
One standout feature of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use for up to 90 days. This extended window is invaluable for employers, providing a comprehensive assessment of an individual's substance use history. With this capability, businesses can make informed decisions about potential hires or existing employee evaluations, ensuring a safer, drug-free work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Jamestown, LA
Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risk of sample adulteration. The collection process is stringent, making it difficult to manipulate. This tamper-resistant nature of hair testing provides reliable, unquestionable results. Employers in Jamestown can trust these results, minimizing the likelihood of false negatives and ensuring a high degree of integrity in drug testing processes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Jamestown, LA
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures convenience for those in need of testing services. Whether you are in a major city or Jamestown, our facilities offer quick and accessible services. This nationwide presence eliminates hassle, ensuring easy availability and fast access to hair follicle testing for individuals and companies alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Jamestown, LA
The process of undergoing hair follicle testing is straightforward and keeps your privacy intact. From ordering to receiving results, each step is managed with confidentiality. Clients can rest assured that their privacy is respected, while they benefit from an easy-to-navigate testing procedure that delivers precise outcomes efficiently.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Jamestown, LA
Competitive pricing structures combined with swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing accessible. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from these services without compromising budgets. In Jamestown, quick results paired with excellent value ensure employers maintain peace of mind while managing drug testing efficiently and effectively.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Jamestown, LA
Hair follicle testing is renowned for its precision and rapid results. These tests excel in identifying substance use, ensuring high accuracy. The capability to detect a wide range of substances provides businesses and individuals in Jamestown with confidence. This method not only ensures fast processing times but guarantees accuracy unmatched by other types of testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Jamestown, LA
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal risks and promoting workplace safety. For employers, this method offers peace of mind, knowing that they are providing a safe working environment while also staying compliant with industry standards and regulations.