Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust method in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended timeline of substance use by trapping markers within the hair's fiber as it grows. A sample taken near the scalp can provide a detection window of roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. This method is straightforward to execute, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment with roughly 200 hairs (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp is ideal, delivering 100mg for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or above 10-panel assessments, 150mg is preferred. Using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement is advised. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair is acceptable. The term head hair specifically refers to the scalp, while body hair denotes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The significant phases in the laboratory handling of a substance test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step in integrating a specimen into a laboratory's system. This phase confirms the sample was sealed and delivered correctly, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performs any supplementary data entry not managed by an electronic custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for various substances. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug presence for most samples, any positive result necessitates confirmation for legal proceedings. Samples showing possible positive results in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a test sample show a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the specimen for Extraction. This stage involves isolating drugs from hair at much lower amounts compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is notably intricate.
Confirmed positive results are processed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples with tentative positive results are cleaned as necessary. The entire sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the procedure analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Sheltons, LA, hair follicle testing proves superior to urine tests by accurately detecting substance use over several months. Unlike urine tests, which can only trace drug use for a short time, hair testing provides a comprehensive overview of an individual's history.
Employers in Sheltons benefit from hair testing as it reduces the chance of false negatives and offers a longer detection window. As a result, it is a preferred choice for maintaining workplace integrity and enforcing drug-free policies.
One significant advantage of hair testing in Sheltons, LA, is its extended detection window. This method can uncover drug use over the past 90 days, giving employers valuable insights into an applicant's or employee's substance history.
This broader timeframe allows organizations to make more informed decisions about hiring and maintaining staff, offering a clear perspective on long-term habits versus the limited scope offered by urine tests.
Hair follicle tests in Sheltons, LA, are designed to be tamper-resistant, significantly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. This credibility ensures that results are trustworthy and undistorted.
As a reliable testing method, hair tests secure an advantage over traditional options, giving assurance to employers and authorities that the outcomes are accurate and reflect genuine usage behaviors.
Accredited Drug Testing provides an extensive network of centers nationwide and locally in Sheltons, LA, ensuring convenient access to testing services. This vast availability facilitates swift and hassle-free testing, making it easy for individuals and businesses alike.
Whether you need a test nearby or in another city, our widespread locations ensure you're covered, enhancing accessibility and efficiency in scheduling and completing tests.
In Sheltons, LA, our drug testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering, testing, and receiving results are straightforward, ensuring user privacy and ease.
Participants appreciate the straightforward steps involved, allowing for quick engagement with the testing protocol without concerns about the confidentiality of their personal information or outcomes.
In Sheltons, LA, we prioritize offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround on hair follicle tests. Our competitive pricing structure suits businesses of all sizes, providing excellent financial value.
Prompt results enable companies to make timely decisions, enhancing operational efficiency while maintaining cost-effectiveness, ensuring productivity and growth.
Hair follicle drug tests stand out in Sheltons, LA, due to their precision and speed. These tests are renowned for their high accuracy in identifying substances within hair strands, providing conclusive results rapidly. Their reliability gives employers confidence in the outcomes.
Unlike other testing methods, hair follicle tests allow for quick processing and evaluation, ensuring timely and accurate reporting that meets the needs of organizations seeking reliable testing solutions.
Employers in Sheltons, LA, find peace of mind using hair follicle testing, as it aids in compliance with workplace drug policies. By opting for this method, companies mitigate legal risks and align with safety standards, ensuring a drug-free environment.
This approach bolsters organizational reputation and shields against policy violations, creating a safe and compliant work setting for all employees.