Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now widely regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the extending hair strand, providing a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug intake. When samples are taken close to the scalp, hair analysis can unveil a history of alcohol and other drug consumption spanning up to roughly 3 months. The process of collecting hair is uncomplex, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
Gathering a 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands, equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil, nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, optimal for both screening and conclusive analysis. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a total of 150mg of the sample is advised. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable volume of body hair is accepted. In the context of head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types of hair (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal stages in laboratory drug test analysis are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a specimen into a lab's workflow. This step includes verifying that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to discount drug use in the majority of specimens, any positive result from Screening must be verified to be admissible in legal settings. Specimens deemed presumptively positive in Screening necessitate subsequent verification.
Should a specimen test presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations than found in alternative methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to carry out.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why choose hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Mathews, LA? Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and unmatched reliability. Unlike urine tests, which can only reveal recent drug use, hair tests provide a broader detection window. This feature allows employers to have a better understanding of an individual's drug use history, ensuring a safer and more compliant workplace.
Hair follicle drug testing in Mathews, LA allows employers to uncover an individual's drug use over an extended window. With the ability to trace substance use for up to 90 days, it offers a detailed history that urine tests simply can't provide. This comprehensive detection period allows businesses to better assess the long-term behaviors of their staff or potential hires.
In Mathews, LA, hair follicle testing provides a tamper-resistant option for drug screening. Unlike other methods, hair testing drastically lowers the chance for sample adulteration, offering reliable results. Its tamper-resistant nature ensures that the results are accurate and trustworthy, making it a preferred choice for sensitive testing requirements.
In Mathews, LA, our conveniently located testing centers nationwide provide easy and hassle-free access. Whether you need a quick test in your local area or across the country, our network of facilities is designed to offer seamless services. Each location is equipped to ensure that testing is both swift and straightforward, enhancing user experience.
The process of hair follicle testing in Mathews, LA is made simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, every step is designed with ease and privacy in mind. Individuals and employers alike can trust that their information is handled with care, ensuring efficiency without sacrificing confidentiality.
Mathews, LA offers hair follicle testing with competitive and affordable pricing. Our pricing structures are designed to cater to companies of all sizes, providing value without compromising quality. Paired with fast turnaround times, employers and individuals benefit from reliable results quickly, ensuring peace of mind.
In Mathews, LA, the precision and rapid outcomes of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. These tests boast high accuracy in detecting substance use, giving reliable results efficiently. Their capability to detect past drug use with remarkable precision and speed makes them an ideal choice for employers and individuals concerned about accurate testing results.
Employers in Mathews, LA can maintain compliance and enjoy peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal uncertainties and promoting a safe environment. Employers can be reassured that their drug screening processes meet industry standards and foster a secure workplace.
