Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive account of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 90-day window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, containing about 200 strands (similar to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will provide 100mg of hair, which is an ideal amount for both testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is preferred. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a similar amount of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types of hair (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The essential steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This step is about confirming the sample was packed and shipped correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data input not provided by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid test for drug abuse. While Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use for most samples, a positive result must be validated to be legally acceptable. Samples that test positive during Screening require secondary verification.
If a sample tests positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are withdrawn from hair at a substantially lower concentration than with other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging method to carry out.
Confirming any positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Is Superior to Urine Testing
In Sugar Creek, LA, hair testing offers a significant edge over urine testing by detecting substances over a longer time and reducing the chance of manipulation. This assurance of accuracy delivers valuable consistency for employers making critical staffing decisions.
Extended Detection Window Advantages
In Sugar Creek, LA, the hair follicle test shines with its ability to trace drug use back up to 90 days. This extended observation period allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of substance use trends, enhancing informed decision-making processes.
Unrivaled Security Against Tampering
In Sugar Creek, LA, hair follicle testing is a bastion against sample tampering. Its integrity in procedure and analysis leaves no room for adulteration, delivering trustworthy results that bolster employer confidence and uphold stringent policy standards.
Testing Convenience with Extensive Reach
Effortless and Confidential Process
The hair follicle testing process in Sugar Creek, LA is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to sampling and receiving results, our discreet method respects privacy, eliminating concerns related to personal data exposure.
Cost-Effective Testing with Prompt Turnaround
In Sugar Creek, LA, competitive pricing and swift test result times are key offerings of our hair follicle test services. Businesses of varied sizes can benefit from budget-friendly options without sacrificing result quality or speed.
Swift and Precise Outcomes in Sugar Creek, LA
Hair follicle drug tests lead the industry in accuracy, quickly identifying substance use with precision. Their ability to deliver fast results, often within a few days, ensures timely decisions without compromising reliability, reinforcing their exceptional value.
Employer Confidence Through Compliance
By utilizing hair follicle testing in Sugar Creek, LA, employers can guarantee adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This proactive approach minimizes legal risks and strengthens workplace safety, creating a harmonious and confident work environment.