Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has emerged as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers in their growing fibers, offering a prolonged history of substance use. When collected near the scalp, hair can show results for alcohol and drugs dating back up to three months. The collection process for hair is straightforward, it's relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) gathered from the scalp yields about 100mg, which is deemed an optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, additional assays, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair might be used. References to head hair mean strictly scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (including facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The lab processing of drug tests entails four major stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage in incorporating a sample into the laboratory’s framework. This process involves confirming the sample was properly sealed and sent, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting additional data missing from an electronic chain of custody setup.
Screening presents an initial rapid examination for prohibited substances. While it serves as an economical approach to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screening result requires confirmation for court usage. Any samples projecting positive findings at the Screening stage necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Samples indicating positive at the Screening phase undergo further hair extraction from the original sample for Extraction purposes. During Extraction, the drugs are obtained from hair at a much lower concentration than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid); thus hair drug testing stands as one of the more challenging methodologies.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples initially positive undergo washing if necessary before confirmation. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and accreditation according to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the nomenclature "hair follicle tests," the procedure evaluates hair strands instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Prairieville, LA, hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine tests. Its advantages include superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests are not only detailed but also less likely to be tampered with, offering a robust assessment of an individual's drug history.
Employers in Prairieville, LA benefit from hair follicle testing's extensive detection window of up to 90 days. This feature allows for a comprehensive review of an applicant or employee's substance use history.
Hair follicle tests in Prairieville, LA present a tamper-resistant solution, significantly minimizing the potential for sample adulteration. This method assures reliable and unquestionable results.
With testing centers nationwide, including Prairieville, LA, accessing our hair follicle testing services is convenient and hassle-free. Our network ensures quick and easy solutions, meeting diverse testing needs.
The hair testing process in Prairieville, LA is straightforward and confidential. With easy ordering, sample taking, and results retrieval, clients' privacy and ease of use are prioritized.
Prairieville, LA offers affordable pricing paired with fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Our competitive rates and speedy results deliver exceptional value, aligning with varied corporate scales.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Prairieville, LA, set them apart, delivering fast, accurate, and dependable results. Their capability to precisely detect substance use enhances their credibility, providing valuable insights into an individual’s drug history.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Prairieville, LA ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This choice reduces legal risks and bolsters workplace safety, providing company leadership with peace of mind.
