Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations serve as an effective approach for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair offers a prolonged timeline of drug and alcohol usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. Once collected near the scalp, hair presents up to a roughly 3-month discovery period for drugs and alcohol. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
Gathering a 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides a 100mg hair sample, which is optimal for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional testing, and/or panels exceeding ten, a 150mg sample is advised. It's best to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, a proportional amount of body hair can be gathered. When referencing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the laboratory processing of drug test outcomes are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning handles the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This process encompasses confirming that the sample was sealed and dispatched accurately, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplemental data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening is a preliminary rapid examination for drugs typically abused. Although Screening is an economical method to rule out drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified for court admissibility. Samples that yield presumptive positive results in Screening need further confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for preparation for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are drawn out from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), resulting in hair drug testing being one of the most complex methodologies.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary before confirmation. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed complying with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes termed "hair follicle tests," the examination evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Provencal, LA, hair follicle testing stands out by outperforming traditional urine tests, offering superior accuracy and reliability. Hair tests are capable of detecting drug and alcohol use over a prolonged period, unlike urine tests which are limited to recent use. This capacity for an extended detection window makes hair tests a more comprehensive option for those requiring thorough substance use screening.
Hair follicle testing in Provencal, LA, boasts an extended detection window, capturing drug use up to 90 days prior. This expansive timeframe allows employers to gain a holistic understanding of an individual's substance use history, offering valuable insights beyond the short-term scope of other testing methods. Such comprehensive data aids in making well-informed employment decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Provencal, LA, present a tamper-resistant method that significantly reduces the possibility of sample manipulation. Their robust design ensures that results are reliable and untainted, providing unquestionable evidence that stands firm against attempts of adulteration. This reliability is paramount for organizations seeking trustworthy and precise testing outcomes.
Provencal, LA residents benefit from convenient testing availability with our nationwide network of testing centers. These accessible locations ensure quick, stress-free access to services, making it easier for individuals and employers to conduct necessary tests without hassle. By offering local and nationwide options, we're committed to providing swift and efficient testing solutions for all needs.
The drug testing process in Provencal, LA is straightforward and confidential, from ordering to receiving results. Every step is designed to maintain privacy, ensuring a worry-free experience for all users. Clients appreciate the simplicity and discretion embedded in our procedures, which underscore the ease of use and respect for personal privacy at every stage of the testing process.
In Provencal, LA, we offer competitively priced hair follicle testing with quick turnaround times, catering to businesses of all sizes. Our pricing structure is designed to deliver excellent value, ensuring affordability without compromising quality. Companies can enjoy timely and budget-friendly testing solutions that provide peace of mind regarding their drug testing needs.
In Provencal, LA, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate results that many rely on. Known for their precision, these tests can uncover substance use with remarkable accuracy, providing results that are both reliable and timely. Hair testing's high degree of accuracy reduces uncertainty, ensuring that test outcomes are trustworthy and leave little room for error.
Employers in Provencal, LA, find compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, diminishing legal risks and promoting safety. Hair testing's thorough and dependable results help maintain a compliant environment, enhancing the overall security of the workplace while fostering a culture of trust and accountability.
