Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains long-term markers of alcohol and various drugs by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair fibers. A sample taken close to the scalp can offer a detection window for alcohol and drugs of up to three months approximately. Collecting hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient to ship.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's thickness) near the scalp results in 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG additives or exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of incorporating a sample into a laboratory's system. It requires confirming the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, providing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry not available in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary quick assessment for drug misuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug usage in most samples, any positive screen needs confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Presumptive positive samples in the Screening stage undergo further hair retrieval from the initial sample for Extraction. In this stage, drug extraction is conducted at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening an exceedingly challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening result takes place via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being known as "hair follicle tests," the test evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Naborton, LA When it comes to detecting drug use, hair follicle tests outshine traditional urine tests through superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which detect recent use, hair tests provide a 90-day history of substance use, offering a comprehensive look at an individual's drug habits. These advantages make hair testing the preferred choice in many situations.
Extended Detection Window in Naborton, LA Hair follicle drug tests capture a broader timeline of drug use, extending the detection window to around 90 days. This capability offers employers deeper insights into an individual’s history of substance use, proving invaluable during hiring processes or regular employee reviews. Such extensive analysis is unparalleled by other testing methods, making it a critical tool for comprehensive substance use history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Naborton, LA Hair follicle tests are inherently resistant to tampering, ensuring results are both reliable and indisputable. This robustness eliminates the risk of sample adulteration, providing peace of mind in testing environments where accuracy is paramount. Unlike other testing forms, hair tests provide a trustworthy and secure method for verifying substance use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Naborton, LA Our extensive network of testing centers ensures easy access to services across the nation, including in Naborton, LA. We provide friendly, hassle-free access to hair follicle testing, making the process convenient and swift for all users. Assurance of quick service means individuals can swiftly proceed with their testing needs without unnecessary delays.
Simple, Confidential Process in Naborton, LA The hair follicle drug testing process guarantees simplicity and privacy. From the order to taking the test and receiving results, our steps are straightforward, ensuring that confidentiality is maintained throughout. This approach alleviates privacy concerns, providing a user-friendly experience for all involved in the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Naborton, LA We are committed to offering competitive pricing and rapid results delivery. With our efficient turnaround times, companies of varying sizes can enjoy exceptional value while ensuring reliable drug testing practices. This commitment to affordability and speed priorities customer needs by providing economically-friendly solutions without sacrificing quality or accuracy.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Naborton, LA Hair follicle drug tests offer unbeatable accuracy in detecting substance use, rendering quick and reliable results. Their precision ensures that users receive a clear and detailed analysis, making them a superior choice over other testing methods. Users in Naborton can rely on this efficient testing method for dependable results every time.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Naborton, LA By adopting hair follicle testing, employers can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace mandates, minimizing legal exposures and enhancing workplace safety. This method supports the enforcement of stringent drug policies, providing managers with the confidence that their operations maintain high safety and regulatory standards.