Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair sample analysis is recognized as a robust means for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. The hair captures a prolonged history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers. When cut near the scalp, hair can reveal information on alcohol and other drugs for up to about three months. Hair is straightforward to gather, not easily tampered with, and convenient for transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hairs, equivalent to a #2 pencil's size, close to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for testing and validation. For higher levels such as EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If hair on the scalp is missing, a similar quantity of body hair might be used. When discussing head hair, it strictly means scalp hair. Body hair relates to all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in processing a drug test in the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning phase involves bringing a specimen into the lab’s system. This process includes ensuring the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry if an electronic chain of custody system is not used.
Screening entails an initial swift examination for drug use. While Screening efficiently rules out drug use in most cases, a positive result must be verified for legal proceedings. Samples that are tentatively positive during Screening demand a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample be conditionally positive during Screening, additional hair is drawn from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drug chemicals are drawn out from hair at a far lower concentration than with other testing methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug analysis is the most challenging method to execute.
Validation of any positive screening happens via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positivity are cleaned before validation as necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair requirements and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Point Blue, LA.
Hair follicle testing provides significant advantages over traditional urine tests. Superior detection accuracy and reliability make it an outstanding option for employers seeking to enforce drug-free workplace policies effectively in Point Blue, LA.
Extended Detection Window in Point Blue, LA.
One of the main benefits of hair follicle testing is its ability to identify drug usage over an extended period, up to 90 days. This feature delivers a thorough overview of an employee's or candidate's substance history, enhancing informed decision-making for employers in Point Blue, LA.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Point Blue, LA.
Hair follicle drug tests offer a substantial reduction in the potential for sample tampering. Their unique characteristics make them trustworthy choices for individuals and employers looking for reliable and indisputable outcomes in Point Blue, LA.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Point Blue, LA.
With numerous testing facilities across the nation, including Point Blue, LA, accessing our services is easy. Clients experience hassle-free testing, ensuring swift and straightforward results.
Simple, Confidential Process in Point Blue, LA.
The hair follicle testing framework in Point Blue, LA is designed to be both straightforward and confidential. Individuals can easily arrange, undergo, and receive results without compromising privacy or convenience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Point Blue, LA.
Our pricing structures in Point Blue, LA are competitive, combined with fast turnaround times. Businesses of all sizes find value and satisfaction, securing quality and timeliness in drug testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Point Blue, LA.
Hair follicle drug tests in Point Blue, LA offer exceptional speed and precision in detecting substance use. High accuracy is a hallmark of these tests, ensuring that employers and individuals receive reliable results promptly and efficiently.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Point Blue, LA.
Employers utilizing hair follicle tests in Point Blue, LA, benefit from enhanced workplace safety and adhere to drug-free policies seamlessly. This approach minimizes legal liabilities, offering peace of mind and compliance assurance.
