Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a potent method for revealing the use of drugs and alcohol. The hair provides an extended history of these substances by capturing biomarkers in its strands as it grows. When the hair is gathered near the scalp, it offers nearly a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil in width) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, add-ons, and tests surpassing 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is preferred. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a proportional quantity of body hair is an acceptable substitute. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for generating a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary processing of a sample through a laboratory’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, providing a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry that was not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for illegal drug use. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be court-admissible. Any samples showing positive in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during the Screening, an additional portion of hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than found in other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
Positive screening results are validated via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the laboratory process is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand and does not involve the follicle under the scalp.
In Parks, LA, hair follicle testing clearly surpasses urine testing by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests are not only more accurate in revealing substance use but also provide a more reliable assessment, thanks to their extended detection period. This makes hair testing an invaluable tool for those committed to maintaining a drug-free environment.
With hair follicle testing in Parks, LA, employers gain insights into drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This extensive detection window allows for a thorough evaluation of an individual's past substance use, giving employers a complete picture of an applicant or employee's drug history, which is crucial for informed decision-making.
In Parks, LA, hair follicle testing greatly minimizes the chances of sample tampering. This method ensures that the results obtained are reliable and beyond question. The resilience against adulteration makes hair testing a trustworthy option for those seeking conclusive, tamper-resistant drug testing results.
Offering convenient and accessible testing options, our nationwide centers, including those in Parks, LA, ensure a seamless testing experience. With a network of facilities across the country, individuals and companies can benefit from quick and hassle-free access to testing services, enhancing convenience and efficiency.
In Parks, LA, the process of hair follicle testing is designed to be both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to obtaining the results, every step ensures privacy and ease of use. This straightforward process addresses any privacy concerns, providing users with a discreet and efficient testing experience.
With affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, our drug testing services in Parks, LA, deliver excellent value. Companies of all sizes benefit from competitive pricing structures and prompt results, ensuring that they receive high-quality testing without compromising on budgetary constraints.
In Parks, LA, hair follicle testing offers fast, accurate, and reliable results, making it a preferred choice for many. This method boasts exceptional precision in identifying substance use, ensuring that results are both swift and dependable. The accuracy of hair testing can greatly enhance an organization's ability to detect substance abuse effectively compared to other testing methods.
For employers in Parks, LA, hair follicle testing plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By adopting this testing method, companies can mitigate legal risks and enhance the safety and harmony of their work environment, fostering peace of mind for both employers and employees.
