Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent instrument for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeline of up to about three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to obtain, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 strands of hair (around the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, perfect for examination and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advocated. Using a jeweler’s scale to determine the specimen’s weight is advised. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be taken. When mentioning head hair, we imply only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processes for a drug test result include four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s system. This process includes verifying the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary scanning for drugs of abuse. While Screening efficiently rules out drug use in most samples, any positive result requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples presumed positive in Screening necessitate a second confirmation.
If a sample is found presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is drawn from the primary specimen for preparation in Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to execute.
Verification of any positive screening findings is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples suspected of being positive undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often called "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing stands out in Simsboro, LA, as it surpasses urine testing in terms of detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair testing provides a much more extended detection window, capturing substance use up to 90 days. This improves the accuracy of identifying consistent drug use patterns that urine tests might miss due to their shorter detection window.
Urine tests often face the challenge of being cheated. In Simsboro, LA, hair follicle testing offers a more tamper-resistant solution. The structure of hair locks in a historical record of substance use, which is difficult to adulterate. Therefore, hair testing not only ensures higher detection accuracy but also upholds the integrity of the testing process better than urine tests.
In Simsboro, LA, hair follicle testing offers an extended window for revealing drug use, capturing up to 90 days of substance consumption. This comprehensive detection capability supplies employers with essential insights into someone’s drug history over a long period. By offering a panoramic view of the individual's drug use, hair testing allows for more informed decision-making regarding employment and monitoring.
The lengthy detection period of hair follicle testing assists in evaluating recurring drug use, an aspect often missed by shorter-term tests. This extended temporal window provides a more accurate portrayal of an individual’s substance habits, giving stakeholders in Simsboro, LA, a robust tool for assessing behavior and ensuring compliant workplace environments.
One of the most significant advantages of hair follicle testing in Simsboro, LA, is its resistance to tampering. Unlike urine samples that can be diluted or otherwise adulterated, hair samples preserve a consistent history of drug use. This minimizes the potential for manipulation, making hair testing a reliable option for individuals and organizations concerned with authenticity and integrity.
Hair follicle tests are less vulnerable to adulteration due to the nature of sample collection, which typically involves an observed process. This method ensures the authenticity of the sample, leading to highly reliable results. In Simsboro, LA, these tests offer a tamper-resistant alternative that provides accurate substance detection, reducing doubts regarding the test outcomes.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures ease of access to its services with convenient locations across Simsboro, LA, and nationwide. This network of testing centers allows for quick and hassle-free drug testing, meeting the needs of customers regardless of their location. With our widespread reach, participants can conveniently find a local testing center that suits their schedule and requirements.
Our local facilities in Simsboro, LA, are a testament to our commitment to providing accessible and efficient service. The strategic placement of our centers means minimal travel for individuals and organizations, facilitating smooth and stress-free testing experiences. Our extensive network honors the need for rapid testing services without compromising quality or convenience.
The process of conducting hair follicle tests in Simsboro, LA, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to sample taking and then receiving results, every step prioritizes participant privacy and ease of use. This distinct simplicity of the procedure ensures that individuals can undertake drug testing without undue hassle, maintaining their confidentiality throughout.
In Simsboro, LA, confidentiality is a cornerstone of our testing process. The straightforward nature of hair follicle testing simplifies the experience for participants while ensuring discretion. By addressing privacy concerns diligently, we provide an environment where test-takers are at ease, knowing that their information is protected and their testing process is seamless.
In Simsboro, LA, Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing for hair follicle tests, ensuring affordability across businesses of all sizes. Our cost-effective solutions paired with quick turnaround times present unmatched value. We understand the importance of budget-friendly options without sacrificing quality, providing peace of mind for employers seeking reliable drug testing services.
Our pricing structure in Simsboro, LA, is thoughtfully designed to accommodate diverse organizational needs, ensuring affordability and value. In addition to competitive rates, our fast test processing delivers results efficiently, enabling timely decisions. This financial and operational efficiency underscores our commitment to delivering cost-effective and reliable testing solutions.
The precision of hair follicle drug tests is unparalleled, offering timely and accurate results in Simsboro, LA. These tests effectively detect a wide range of substances, ensuring reliability for various needs. The process not only captures a person's substance use history with accuracy but also delivers these insights swiftly, making decision-making easier for employers and professionals who demand quality results.
In Simsboro, LA, the speed of obtaining results through hair follicle testing surpasses traditional methods, reducing waiting times significantly. This speedy turnaround is paired with a high level of accuracy, ensuring that the results are both reliable and promptly available. This advantage makes hair follicle testing an ideal choice for those requiring quick and exact drug screening.
Hair follicle testing in Simsboro, LA, provides employers with assurance and peace of mind by aligning with drug-free workplace policies. This method ensures compliance, reducing the risk of legal issues and enhancing workplace safety. With hair testing, employers can maintain a safer environment, as these tests reveal a more comprehensive drug use history compared to other testing methods.
Utilizing hair follicle tests is a step forward in establishing a secure work environment in Simsboro, LA. These tests reinforce compliance with zero-tolerance policies by providing extensive drug use data. This capability helps minimize potential liabilities associated with workplace accidents and other risks related to substance use, thus maintaining organizational integrity and peace of mind.
