Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for detecting both drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture long-term alcohol and drug history by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month detection period for both alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to collect hair, tamper-resistant, and simple to ship.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing roughly 200 hair strands (approximating a #2 pencil in size) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an optimal quantity for evaluation and confirmation. In cases involving EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale is recommended. If scalp hair isn’t available, similar amounts of body hair can be gathered. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair comprises all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in laboratory processing of drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning initiates sample processing within a lab’s system. This encompasses verifying the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a swift initial check for drugs. Though cost-effective for dismissing drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated for court admissibility. Any samples presumptively positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample appears presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the original specimen for preparation in Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Tops Urine Testing in Woodardville, LA
Hair tests outshine urine tests with superior detection accuracy over extended periods. Unlike urine tests that cover short-term drug use, hair testing's vast timeframe offers a more reliable substance use assessment.
Employers benefit from the accuracy and dependability of hair tests, providing a clearer picture of an individual's drug use history.
Longer Detection Period in Woodardville, LA
Hair follicle testing can identify drug use over a substantially longer period—up to 90 days—giving employers a detailed insight into an individual's substance use history. This extended detection window is invaluable for comprehensive background checks.
Such prolonged detection capabilities help employers make better-informed decisions.
Secure, Tamper-Proof Testing Methods in Woodardville, LA
Hair follicle testing significantly lowers the chances of sample tampering, providing unswervingly accurate and trustworthy results. The process's vigilance ensures the authenticity of test outcomes.
The security of hair tests presents a robust solution against attempts to manipulate results, safeguarding the integrity of the testing process.
Convenience with Nationwide and Local Testing in Woodardville, LA
With extensive nationwide testing centers, gaining access to drug testing services is seamless. The local centers in Woodardville ensure that testing is quick and straightforward, with minimal hassle involved.
This network offers a stress-free solution for companies and individuals requiring testing.
Effortless and Private Process in Woodardville, LA
Ordering, undergoing, and obtaining hair follicle test results follows a discreet and straightforward process to prioritize privacy and user-friendliness.
Concerns about confidentiality and ease of use are minimized with the streamlined processes employed for hair testing.
Cost-Effective with Rapid Turnarounds in Woodardville, LA
Offering competitive pricing and expedited results, our hair follicle testing services deliver excellent value to businesses of all sizes. Our efficient process ensures swift result delivery without compromising quality.
Employers can rely on our cost-effective solutions for maintaining workplace standards efficiently.
Fast, Precise, and Dependable Outcomes in Woodardville, LA
Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched speed and accuracy, effectively identifying substance use. These tests excel in providing quick results while maintaining high precision levels, ensuring reliable outcomes for employers and institutions alike.
The efficiency of hair testing methods ensures that results are both swift and credible, allowing for decisive action where required.
Peace of Mind and Compliance for Employers in Woodardville, LA
Utilizing hair follicle testing aids in upholding workplace drug policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing the work environment's safety. Employers gain peace of mind through such compliant testing measures.
Employers enjoy the assurance that their drug-free policies are being upheld meticulously.