Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug intake by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as the hair grows. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer approximately a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (about pencil thickness) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for both preliminary screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to ensure accurate measurement. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. The term head hair exclusively pertains to scalp hair. Conversely, body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample into the lab's system. This process verifies that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and involves completing any additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any samples flagged as potentially positive during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is flagged as potentially positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at concentrations considerably lower than those used in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing one of the most challenging methodologies to perform.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples flagged as potentially positive undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
In Vacherie, LA, hair follicle testing is gaining popularity due to its considerable advantages over urine tests. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability, making it ideal for various applications.
Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering extended detection capabilities. This methodology ensures thoroughness in identifying drug use, leading to higher trustworthiness.
One of the main advantages of hair follicle testing in Vacherie, LA, is its extended detection window. Employers benefit from a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance history, typically up to 90 days.
In-depth detection over prolonged periods makes hair follicle testing the superior choice for businesses aiming for thorough substance screening. The long detection window enables a more reliable assessment of employee conduct.
In Vacherie, LA, hair follicle tests are recognized for their tamper-resistant capabilities. The methodology significantly reduces risks associated with sample adulteration, providing unquestionable results.
The structure of hair follicle testing means samples are less susceptible to outside interference, promoting dependable testing. This security measure enhances the validity of the process.
Convenience is at the forefront with our nationwide testing locations, including Vacherie, LA. These facilities provide quick and hassle-free access to services.
Local testing locations streamline the testing process, with Accredited Drug Testing offering a seamless experience. Vacherie residents can benefit from prompt testing solutions.
For those in Vacherie, LA, our process is both simple and confidential. The procedure from ordering to receiving results is straightforward, addressing privacy and usability concerns.
Confidentiality is a core aspect, ensuring clients' information and results are protected at all times. This simplicity fosters trust in drug testing processes.
In Vacherie, LA, Accredited Drug Testing provides affordable pricing coupled with fast turnaround times. Clients appreciate the balance of cost and speed, offering an attractive solution for companies of varying sizes.
Our services are designed to facilitate cost-effective testing without sacrificing quality or time. This makes hair follicle testing accessible and efficient.
In Vacherie, LA, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. This method's precision is unmatched, ensuring that substance use detection is both thorough and decisive.
The efficiency of hair follicle tests is emphasized by their quick turnaround time in delivering results. These tests are designed to detect even trace amounts of substances, guaranteeing reliability.
Employers in Vacherie, LA gain compliance and peace of mind by utilizing hair follicle testing. This testing ensures adherence to workplace drug policies, minimizing legal challenges and enhancing safety.
By implementing hair testing, companies demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a safe and productive work environment. The strategy promotes peace by ensuring adherence to stringent guidelines.