Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a historical record for alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to around 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is harvested effortlessly, is relatively tamper-proof, and can be transported with ease.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the perfect sample for both screening and verification. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, and/or exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's suggested to weigh the hair sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equal amount of body hair can be obtained. When we mention head hair, it strictly refers to scalp hair. Body hair covers all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four fundamental stages involved in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary processing of a sample within a lab’s system. This step includes verifying the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and executing any additional data input not supplied by an electronic custody system.
Screening represents an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method to rule out drug use for most samples, a positive screen needs confirmation to be legally admissible. Any samples flagged as presumptive positives during Screening demand subsequent verification.
If the Screening phase flags a sample as presumptive positive, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is among the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples showing presumptive positives are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lewisburg, LA
Hair follicle testing trumps urine tests by offering superior accuracy and reliability. This method detects drug use for up to 90 days, providing a broader detection window compared to the shorter span of urine tests. Hair tests are resistant to tampering, ensuring more dependable results for employers and agencies.
Extended Detection Window in Lewisburg, LA
Detecting substance use over an extended period, hair follicle testing offers an impressive window of up to 90 days. This gives employers a thorough understanding of an individual’s ongoing substance use behaviors. Providing a longer detection period than urine tests, it allows for better assessment of long-term habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lewisburg, LA
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the chance of sample tampering, ensuring their results remain uncontestable. Unlike urine tests susceptible to adulteration, hair testing is nearly impossible to falsify, providing peace of mind regarding the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lewisburg, LA
Offering convenience with numerous nationwide and local testing centers, our services in Lewisburg ensure easy access to testing. Our extensive network allows individuals and organizations swift and hassle-free testing processes, simplifying scheduling and attendance.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lewisburg, LA
Our straightforward, confidential process in Lewisburg reassures clients of privacy and simplicity. From ordering to receiving results, our streamlined service ensures individuals can access testing without concerns over confidentiality or complexity.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lewisburg, LA
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and swift responses, catering to companies of all sizes in Lewisburg. Our affordable solutions do not compromise on quality, providing value coupled with speedy service that meets diverse needs effectively.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lewisburg, LA
Providing fast, accurate, and reliable results, hair follicle tests in Lewisburg empower employers with detailed information about substance use histories. This method is highly precise, allowing employers to make informed decisions with confidence. The swift processing ensures quick turnaround times, ideal for fast-paced business environments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lewisburg, LA
For employers striving for regulatory compliance, hair follicle testing helps uphold drug-free workplace policies with ease. Minimizing legal risks and ensuring safety on-site, this method supports employers in maintaining a secure, responsible work environment.
