Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and other drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the structure of the developing hair strand. When procured near the scalp, hair can offer up to roughly a 3-month observation period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively tough to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 strands of hair (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or evaluations above 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair solely. Body hair refers to all other varieties of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal stages in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This includes confirming that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening encompasses an initial rapid examination for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage for the majority of samples, a positive screen needs confirmation to be permissible in court. Any samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample is tentatively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is drawn from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test specifically examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lutcher, LA
In Lutcher, LA, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in several ways. The superior detection accuracy and reliability of hair analysis make it a preferred method, providing a more thorough examination of an individual's substance use than standard urine tests can deliver.
Extended Detection Window in Lutcher, LA
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This longer period enables employers in Lutcher, LA, to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s substance history, ensuring more informed hiring and workplace decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lutcher, LA
The hair follicle test is a tamper-resistant method widely recognized in Lutcher, LA. This type of analysis significantly curtails the risk of sample tampering, ensuring that results remain authentic and reliable every time.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lutcher, LA
Our widespread testing centers offer convenience across the nation, including Lutcher, LA. This extensive network ensures swift and hassle-free access, simplifying the process of obtaining necessary drug and alcohol testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lutcher, LA
In Lutcher, LA, the process of ordering, undergoing, and receiving hair follicle test results is designed to be both simple and confidential, addressing any privacy concerns while maintaining ease of use for all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lutcher, LA
Our competitive pricing structures coupled with fast turnaround times in Lutcher, LA, provide excellent value and prompt results. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from our cost-effective and timely testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lutcher, LA
Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and speed, making them the preferred choice for detecting substance use in Lutcher, LA. The accuracy of hair analyses ensures that any trace of drugs or alcohol is effectively identified, offering peace of mind with every test conducted.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lutcher, LA
Using hair follicle testing fosters compliance with workplace drug-free policies in Lutcher, LA. Employers benefit from minimized legal risks and enhanced safety at work, gaining peace of mind through reliable and legitimate testing measures.
