Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, it can provide a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests beyond 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar amount of body hair may be collected. When referencing head hair, it pertains strictly to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the preliminary processing of a sample into a laboratory’s database. This process involves ensuring that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes an initial rapid test for substances of abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be acceptable in court. Any samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the toughest methodology to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples showing presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often referred to as "hair follicle tests," the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lemannville, LA
Employers favor this method for its thorough examination and ability to detect long-term drug use. Hair tests outshine urine tests by providing a clearer picture of an individual's substance history over extended periods.
Extended Detection Window in Lemannville, LA
This prolonged window empowers organizations with the information necessary to make informed employment decisions, enhancing workplace safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lemannville, LA
The complexity of cheating this method ensures results provide authentic insights into an individual's substance use, instilling trust in the testing process and maintaining its reliability and validity across all settings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lemannville, LA
Lemannville residents benefit from quick, hassle-free access to testing services, ensuring effective implementation of necessary protocols without geographical limitations.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lemannville, LA
From ordering to receiving results, the system is designed for ease and security, relieving concerns and enhancing user confidence regarding sensitive information handling.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lemannville, LA
With rapid turnaround times, Accredited Drug Testing offers undeniable value, providing peace of mind and economic efficiency for organizations bracing for comprehensive substance testing.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lemannville, LA
Clients in Lemannville appreciate results delivered promptly, aiding rapid decision-making processes with unwavering trust in test integrity.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lemannville, LA
This method lessens legal risks, promotes workplace safety, and upholds policy integrity, all while maintaining employee trust and organizational peace.