Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent method for identifying alcohol and drug usage. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of a growing strand, providing a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake. By collecting hair close to the scalp, it can reveal a detection window of up to around three months for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 strands of hair (equivalent to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will weigh about 100mg, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or when testing beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, collecting an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. When we refer to head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four essential steps in processing a drug test result in the laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial processing of a sample into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry lacking from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves a preliminary fast check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-effective strategy to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For samples flagged presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive finding is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation if required. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Choose Hair Over Urine Testing in Catahoula, LA
Hair follicle testing offers marked advantages over urine tests, particularly in detection accuracy and reliability. Its longer detection period gives a more thorough historical view of drug use, making it superior.
In Catahoula, LA, hair testing's ability to provide accurate, tamper-proof results boosts its credibility, especially compared to more easily manipulated urine tests.
Extended Detection Benefits in Catahoula, LA
One of the significant advantages of hair follicle testing in Catahoula, LA, is its ability to trace drug use over an extensive period, up to 90 days.
This extended detection window offers employers a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history, proving much more insightful than other methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in Catahoula, LA
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering, ensuring reliable and trustworthy results. This feature makes it an invaluable tool in maintaining the integrity of drug testing procedures.
Compared to other methods, the robustness of hair testing in Catahoula, LA, stands out, reassuring all parties of the secure and accurate outcomes.
Widespread Testing Availability in Catahoula, LA
Our nationwide network of testing centers, including local sites in Catahoula, LA, provides convenient, simple access to testing services.
Whether you're looking for quick or comprehensive testing, our locations make it easy to conduct testing anywhere, ensuring hassle-free service and timely results across various cities.
Confidential and Straightforward Testing in Catahoula, LA
Our hair follicle testing process in Catahoula, LA, is both secure and user-friendly. It respects your privacy from order placement through to test completion.
The seamless process ensures confidentiality throughout, allowing individuals and employers to proceed with testing without concerns about privacy or complexity.
Affordable and Swift Solutions in Catahoula, LA
We offer competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Catahoula, LA. Our cost-effective services provide exceptional value for businesses, big or small.
With rapid results and reasonable costs, our services offer peace of mind while ensuring you stay informed and prepared.
Precise and Rapid Hair Follicle Testing in Catahoula, LA
Hair follicle drug testing is renowned for delivering fast and accurate results. This speed is complemented by its unsurpassed precision in identifying substance use, making it a favored choice in Catahoula, LA.
Employers and individuals benefit greatly from this method, ensuring timely insights into substance use, boosting confidence in the results delivered quickly and efficiently.
Employer Assurance in Catahoula, LA
Hair follicle testing supports compliance with stringent drug-free workplace policies, offering peace of mind to employers in Catahoula, LA.
This method not only mitigates legal risks but also enhances overall workplace safety. By choosing hair testing, employers demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment.
