Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant tool for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair archives a comprehensive history of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When procured near the scalp, hair can deliver a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and various drugs. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 strands of hair (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. We suggest weighing the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not obtainable, a proportional quantity of body hair may be used. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four essential steps employed in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary treatment of a sample into a lab’s system. This entails ensuring the sample was adequately sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any other data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary swift assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a budget-friendly method to eliminate drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive screen must be validated to be permissible in legal proceedings. Any samples that are preliminarily positive in Screening need additional confirmation.
If a sample is preliminarily positive in the Screening stage, more hair is removed from the initial sample and made ready for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are withdrawn from hair at a much lower concentration than other methodologies (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the toughest methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if required. The whole laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", the test in actuality examines the hair strand instead of the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Comparing hair follicle tests with traditional urine tests in Lydia, LA, highlights the advantages in detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests offer an extended detection window of up to 90 days, ensuring a comprehensive assessment.
While urine tests are suitable for recent drug use detection, hair testing provides a broader historical view, making it a superior choice for employers and professionals who prioritize thoroughness.
In Lydia, LA, hair follicle testing is advanced in its ability to detect drug use over extended periods, up to 90 days. This longer detection window allows for a more complete understanding of a person's substance use history.
Employers benefit from this detailed historical data, as it offers insights into an applicant's or employee's long-term habits, crucial for making informed employment decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Lydia, LA, significantly reduce the risk of tampering, presenting an almost foolproof method for substance detection. The testing process minimizes the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable results.
This security in sample integrity provides organizations with confidence that the outcomes are trustworthy and that any potential substance use is genuinely detected.
Convenience is key in Lydia, LA, with our nationwide testing centers facilitating seamless access to hair follicle testing. Quick and effortless service is ensured through strategically located facilities across the country.
Local testing locations in Lydia offer residents easy access without the hassle of traveling far, catering to both individual and corporate testing needs with efficiency.
In Lydia, LA, the hair follicle testing process is designed with simplicity and confidentiality in mind. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is straightforward and respects privacy concerns.
This simplified approach reassures individuals, allowing them to undergo testing without undue stress or worry about the protection of their personal information.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Lydia, LA, make hair follicle tests a smart choice for businesses. Affordable options contribute to cost-effective solutions for drug testing requirements.
Employers of all sizes benefit from the value these tests provide, ensuring that companies can maintain high standards without exceeding their budgetary constraints.
Hair follicle drug tests in Lydia, LA, provide fast and reliable results, accurately detecting substance use. Due to their high precision, these tests have become essential for ensuring trustworthy outcomes in drug screening processes.
With the ability to deliver quick results, hair follicle testing stands out as a highly effective method for identifying past substance use. This ensures that individuals and employers receive the most accurate information available.
Hair follicle testing in Lydia, LA, grants employers peace of mind, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies and reducing legal liabilities. The thoroughness of hair testing upholds workplace safety and order.
With robust testing protocols, organizations can confidently enforce their substance use policies, knowing they have comprehensive and reliable detection methods at their disposal.
