Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying substance use, including alcohol. Hair strands provide a comprehensive record of drug and alcohol exposure by capturing specific indicators within the fibers of growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol presence for roughly a 3-month timeframe. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is preferable. It is advised to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent volume of body hair can be gathered. The term head hair refers solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other varieties of hair (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial introduction of a sample into the laboratory's workflow. This phase includes ensuring the sample is sealed and transported correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data not supplied by electronic chain of custody systems.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for drug presence. Although Screening is cost-effective for identifying negative drug use in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be legally valid. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positive results during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of positive screening results is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. All samples testing presumptive positive are cleansed before Confirmation as necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation in conjunction with accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests," these tests analyze the actual hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
In Roseland, LA, hair follicle testing is gaining prominence over more traditional methods like urine tests due to its superior detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing offers a longer detection window, capturing a comprehensive history of substance use. This distinction provides a more reliable and detailed outcome for employers seeking to maintain drug-free workplaces.
Employers in Roseland, LA benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, which reaches up to 90 days. This feature allows businesses to gain insight into an individual’s substance use history beyond the limitations of other testing methods. Such comprehensive analysis provides a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's substance habits.
Hair follicle testing in Roseland, LA, is renowned for its tamper-resistant quality. This testing method significantly minimizes the chance of sample adulteration, ensuring that the results are trustworthy and highly reliable. Businesses can rest assured that the testing process is conducted with integrity, leading to unquestionable outcomes.
Roseland, LA residents benefit from the convenience of Accredited Drug Testing's widespread and local test centers. With our extensive network of locations, access to hair follicle testing services is straightforward, ensuring a quick and hassle-free experience. Our services are easily accessible wherever you are.
The process of conducting hair follicle tests in Roseland, LA is streamlined and private. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step is straightforward and confidential. Concerns over privacy are effectively addressed, making it a comfortable choice for individuals who value discretion and ease of use.
Accredited Drug Testing offers Roseland, LA competitive pricing structures paired with fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests. Our affordable pricing ensures excellent value for businesses of various sizes, balancing cost-effectiveness with the assurance of receiving timely and accurate test results.
Fast and accurate results are crucial when it comes to drug testing in Roseland, LA. Hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision, with the ability to detect substance use efficiently. This method offers high accuracy rates in identifying drug usage, providing reliable data to help make informed decisions quickly and confidently.
Employers in Roseland, LA can achieve compliance and peace of mind by utilizing hair follicle tests for drug policies. This approach decreases legal risks and enhances workplace safety by ensuring adherence to drug-free guidelines. Employers can confidently maintain a safe and compliant working environment.