Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a highly effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended history of substance use by capturing biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. By collecting hair close to the scalp, it is possible to achieve up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair samples are easy to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (equivalent in size to a #2 pencil) taken nearest the scalp provides a 100mg sample, ideal for testing and confirming. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding ten panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the hair is advised. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equal quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses other hair types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where the sample is entered into the laboratory system. This step involves ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary review to identify substances of abuse. While it’s a cost-efficient means to dismiss drug use in most cases, a positive screening result needs confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples that indicate a positive result during Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
If a sample yields a positive result during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Extraction. In this stage, substances are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other testing methods (such as urine or oral fluid), thus making hair screening a challenging method.
Confirmation for any positive screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The full procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the standards of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bush, LA
These factors underscore hair testing’s advantage in detecting consistent substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Bush, LA
This capability helps employers make informed decisions regarding hiring and employee monitoring.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bush, LA
This robustness assures authorities and employers of the credibility of the results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bush, LA
These convenient solutions remove barriers in accessing important testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bush, LA
This seamless procedure alleviates concerns about confidentiality and accessibility.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bush, LA
Thus, companies benefit from both financial and operational advantages.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bush, LA
This speed and precision make hair testing a preferred choice in environments where reliability is paramount.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bush, LA
Such benefits afford companies the reassurance they need regarding their workforce.
