Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has been acknowledged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended historical account of substance use by capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the hair as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair can provide a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp produces 100mg, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional aspects, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the hair sample. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result within a laboratory encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning denotes the initial sample processing within a laboratory’s framework. This phase involves confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and delivered, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, swift assessment for drugs of abuse. While it is an economical method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for validity in legal contexts. Any samples yielding a presumptive positive in Screening mandate additional confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive outcome during the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
Positive results from screening undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples are washed as needed prior to confirmation. The entire laboratory process 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: Despite commonly being termed "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle and urine tests in Lakeview, LA, the former stands out due to its superior reliability and detection accuracy. Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests by providing a broader detection window and a more robust analysis of drug usage.
The effectiveness of hair follicle testing lies in its ability to reveal drug use up to 90 days in the past, significantly longer than urine tests. This extensive insight benefits employers seeking a comprehensive understanding of substance use trends in their workforce.
Hair follicle testing in Lakeview, LA, offers the advantage of a prolonged detection window, capturing drug use histories for as long as 90 days. This extended scope allows employers to better manage risk by understanding an individual's substance use over a longer period.
With the capacity to detect drug traces from up to three months, hair follicle tests are ideal for providing a thorough assessment of an applicant's or employee's historical drug use, letting employers make well-informed decisions.
The resilience against tampering is a notable advantage of hair follicle drug tests in Lakeview, LA. This form of testing significantly reduces risk of sample adulteration, thereby yielding reliable and undeniable results that keep test integrity intact.
Due to the difficult nature of altering hair samples, tests conducted through hair follicles offer a robust defense against fraudulent practices. Consequently, the results are widely trusted by organizations opting for hair testing solutions.
Lakeview, LA benefits from an accessible and comprehensive network of testing centers provided by Accredited Drug Testing. With our nation-spanning locations, acquiring testing services is both expedient and hassle-free, ensuring convenience for all clients.
Our testing centers' strategic placements allow easy, prompt access to various testing services, reinforcing our commitment to client satisfaction through universal accessibility and localized support.
Our streamlined and discreet testing process in Lakeview, LA, assures clients of a seamless experience. From ordering to obtaining results, confidentiality and simplicity are our highest priorities.
We handle procedures with utmost privacy, ensuring ease of use and comfort for individuals seeking substance testing. The process is designed to ease any concerns clients might have regarding their privacy or the procedure's complexity.
Accredited Drug Testing delivers cost-effective pricing alongside swift results in Lakeview, LA. Our competitive pricing structures are designed to meet the budgetary constraints of companies, while not compromising on the quality and speed of the services.
Clients gain the peace of mind that comes with economically priced services without sacrificing turnaround time. Our prices offer exceptional value, making comprehensive drug testing attainable regardless of a company's size.
The efficiency in obtaining rapid and precise outcomes makes hair follicle drug testing favorable in Lakeview, LA. The stellar accuracy of this method ensures a high reliability in identifying substance usage over time, offering peace of mind with each test conducted.
Hair tests produce results at a faster rate compared to traditional methods, allowing companies and organizations to respond swiftly to the findings. This rapid feedback loop enhances decision-making processes when evaluating potential hires or current employees.
For employers in Lakeview, LA, hair follicle testing assures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, thereby reducing liability and promoting safety. The exhaustive detection range and robustness of the method ensures a compliant and tranquil work environment.
By employing hair testing measures, businesses minimize legal risks while simultaneously boosting their employees' safety and job performance through a clearer understanding of substance usage patterns.
