Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening has become recognized as a formidable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair traps biomarkers within its growing strands, offering a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of up to 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Collection is straightforward, it's relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (approximately matching a #2 pencil in size) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the hair. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When we refer to head hair, it specifically denotes scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair forms (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test results comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning governs the initial sample integration into a laboratory's system, which involves confirming that the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finalizing any pending data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Despite being an economical approach to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen demands confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a further confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is sourced from the primary specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted at considerably lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to conduct.
Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes assessment under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair qualification and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often dubbed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Acme, LA boils down to effectiveness and reliability. Hair testing stands out due to its superior accuracy and capability to detect substances that urine tests might miss. With a broader detection window, the reliability of hair tests surpasses that of urine tests, ensuring more comprehensive results without the risk of manipulation. Opting for hair testing means choosing a robust, failproof method.
Extended Detection Window in Acme, LA is a notable advantage of hair follicle testing. It can reveal drug use up to 90 days prior, offering employers a detailed look into an applicant's or employee's substance use history. This extended period provides a clearer understanding of long-term behavior, which aids in making informed decisions. The comprehensive detection period signifies a deeper insight into substance use habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Acme, LA highlights the substantial advantage of using hair follicle tests to curtail sample adulteration. With the procedure designed to be tamper-proof, the integrity of test results is maintained, offering reliable and conclusive outcomes. The difficulty in manipulating hair samples ensures that the authenticity and reliability of the results remain unquestioned, leading to accurate conclusions.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Acme, LA underline the ease and accessibility provided by our testing centers nationwide. By offering quick and seamless access to testing services, both at a national and local level, individuals and employers can benefit from efficient processing without unwarranted delays. This extensive network ensures a hassle-free testing experience across various locations.
Simple, Confidential Process in Acme, LA describes the user-friendly and private approach of hair follicle testing. From ordering the test to collecting results, the process is streamlined to ensure confidentiality and simplicity. Clients can confidently and securely access testing services, knowing their privacy is respected, and results are efficiently communicated, fostering trust and ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Acme, LA accentuates the cost-effectiveness and prompt response associated with our hair follicle testing services. With competitive pricing structures and swift result delivery, companies of various sizes receive excellent value without sacrificing quality or accuracy. The financial advantages, coupled with quick service, provide peace of mind and budget-friendly options.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Acme, LA demonstrate the strengths of hair follicle drug testing. With quick and precise detection capabilities, these tests deliver high accuracy in identifying substance use. This ensures that the findings are dependable, allowing both employers and individuals to trust the outcomes of the assessments. With hair testing, questions about the timeliness and precision of the results are put to rest.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Acme, LA is achieved through hair follicle testing. Utilizing this method supports adherence to workplace drug-free norms, minimizing legal risks and reinforcing organizational safety standards. This reassuring compliance not only protects the company legally but also contributes to a safer work environment, promoting organizational health and employee well-being.
