Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has established itself as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair shaft. Collecting hair close to the scalp can yield a detection window of up to approximately 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, resistant to adulteration, and convenient to ship.
A 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (like 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 initial handling of a sample within a laboratory's system. This step includes confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial evaluation for the presence of drugs. While Screening is a cost-efficient means to exclude drug usage on most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for it to be valid in a legal context. Samples that show presumed positive results in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction process. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive screen results is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the actual test analyzes the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When considering drug testing options in Lettsworth, LA, hair follicle testing truly outshines the traditional urine test. It offers superior detection accuracy due to its extensive timeframe for tracing drug use. One major advantage is the detailed insight it provides, allowing for a better assessment not available with urine testing.
Employers find hair testing invaluable thanks to its reliability in identifying drug history over weeks rather than days. While urine tests may capture recent use, the comprehensive nature of hair testing makes it a preferred option for those seeking thorough evaluation and greater assurance.
Employers in Lettsworth, LA, favor hair testing for its extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior. This prolonged timeframe grants a wide-ranging view of an individual's substance habits, surpassing the limitations of shorter-term tests.
This method is especially beneficial for employers aiming to maintain stringent hiring standards or for organizations needing a detailed understanding of an employee's substance history. Its extended reach provides a more complete picture, enhancing the decision-making process regarding staffing and policy enforcement.
In Lettsworth, LA, hair follicle tests are celebrated for their tamper-proof nature, significantly lessening the chance of altered samples. The test's procedure inherently discourages tampering, ensuring the integrity of the results, which stands out against other methods prone to manipulation.
This reduces doubt and builds confidence in the outcomes, a crucial aspect for employers and judicial entities seeking irrefutable evidence. With a focus on accuracy and security, hair follicle tests provide results that can be trusted implicitly.
Convenience defines Accredited Drug Testing through our extensive network of nationwide centers, including in Lettsworth, LA. This ensures clients have easy,uninterrupted access to necessary testing wherever they may be, easing the logistics of participating in or organizing testing.
Our strategic locations mean individuals and organizations can rely on us for prompt and trustworthy service. Being within reach aids greatly in meeting compliance and personal testing needs efficiently, without unnecessary delay or travel.
Accredited Drug Testing in Lettsworth, LA makes the testing process straightforward and discrete, prioritizing client privacy from ordering to receiving results. Our streamlined approach allows individuals to engage with the process seamlessly and securely.
By focusing on simplicity and confidentiality, Accredited Drug Testing eases concerns surrounding privacy and handling. Each step is designed to be user-friendly, enabling individuals to navigate the requirements effortlessly, ensuring a peaceful experience without complications.
With compelling pricing and rapid turnaround times, Accredited Drug Testing in Lettsworth, LA offers unbeatable value for businesses of all scales. Our cost-effective solutions make high-quality drug testing accessible and budget-friendly without lowering standards.
Our commitment to affordability ensures that organizations and individuals receive top-tier service quickly, a vital consideration in managing time-sensitive requirements. This balanced approach of competitive pricing and prompt results secures a beneficial testing experience for all involved parties.
In Lettsworth, LA, hair follicle tests offer swift and precise results, a reflection of their advanced detection technology. Conducted with state-of-the-art methods, these tests have a remarkable ability to accurately identify drug use. The swiftness of the process is complemented by its accuracy, offering individuals and organizations dependable outcomes every time.
The efficiency of hair follicle tests is rivaled by few, as they deliver prompt and exact results, essential for critical decision-making. Their design ensures that users benefit from a reliable testing process without sacrificing speed. Whether for personal peace of mind or organizational needs, hair testing is an exceptional choice in Lettsworth.
For employers in Lettsworth, LA, adopting hair follicle testing aligns with maintaining a drug-free workplace, thus enhancing safety and legal compliance. The method contributes to peace of mind by ensuring thorough and reliable screening, an invaluable asset in risk management.
This testing method aids in enforcing employer policies effectively, reducing the risk of legal challenges and creating a safer work environment. Through precise and consistent testing measures, businesses can uphold standards and guard against potential substance abuse issues among staff.
