Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now considered a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. The fibers of a growing hair strand capture biomarkers, offering a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs. When garnered near the scalp, hair can reveal usage of substances over a span close to 3 months. It is straightforward to collect, hard to tamper with, and convenient to mail.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, it's advisable to have 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent mass of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair pertains to all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in the lab processing of drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a specimen within a laboratory's system. This step involves verifying that the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry not accounted for by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening is an initial and swift appraisal for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to discount drug use in the bulk of samples, a positive result must be verified for legal proceedings. Any samples supposedly positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at far lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most intricate methodology to execute.
Confirmation of a positive Screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Sunset, LA
In contrast to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing boasts superior detection accuracy. It not only identifies drug use with greater precision but also offers reliability that employers and courts depend on. Hair tests provide a more exhaustive substance history, majorly enhancing trustworthiness and decision-making capabilities.
Extended Detection Window in Sunset, LA
Hair follicle testing provides an unparalleled detection window of up to 90 days, granting employers a comprehensive overview of one's substance use history. This extended timeframe ensures that repeated or prolonged drug or alcohol consumption does not go unnoticed, offering vital insights beyond what shorter detection methods can supply.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Sunset, LA
The integrity of hair follicle tests is unparalleled, significantly reducing any chances for sample adulteration. This tamper-resistant approach ensures that the results are not only reliable but also trustworthy, offering peace of mind that the findings genuinely reflect the individual's substance use patterns.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Sunset, LA
Our expansive network of testing locations offers unparalleled convenience. Whether in Sunset, LA, or across the nation, our centers are easily accessible, ensuring a quick, simple, and hassle-free testing experience for all involved, bridging the gap between need and solution seamlessly.
Simple, Confidential Process in Sunset, LA
We pride ourselves on a process that's both straightforward and discreet. From ordering to testing and receiving results, each step is designed to safeguard privacy while ensuring ease. Concerns over confidentiality and complexity evaporate, making the experience smooth and stress-free.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Sunset, LA
Our competitive pricing structures coupled with rapid turnaround times provide exceptional value. Employers of various scales can enjoy both cost savings and efficient processes, reinforcing our commitment to affordability and effectiveness in drug testing.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Sunset, LA
Hair follicle drug tests stand at the forefront of speed and precision within the drug-testing arena. Their unparalleled accuracy ensures that substance use is detected with exactness, securing the trust of employers and individuals alike. When the need for quick yet reliable results arises, hair testing offers an unmatched solution.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Sunset, LA
Adopting hair follicle testing ensures that businesses meet their drug-free workplace mandates effectively. By enhancing compliance, legal risks are minimized, and workplace safety is significantly bolstered, allowing employers to maintain a productive and secure work environment.
