Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol use. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and other drug usage by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When samples are taken close to the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A hair specimen of 1.5 inches comprising around 200 strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG tests, extras, or panels exceeding ten, a sample of 150mg is advised. It’s best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, a corresponding quantity of body hair can be used. In the context of head hair, only scalp hair is considered. Body hair includes all other types of hair (such as facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in the laboratory examination of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the stage where a sample is initially processed into the lab’s system. This step encompasses verifying that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input that wasn’t included in an electronic chain of custody system.
The Screening phase incorporates a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be court-admissible. Any samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If Screening results are presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair at a considerably lower concentration than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples presumptively positive are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: While commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair testing to urine testing in Enterprise, LA, hair follicle tests provide distinct advantages. They offer a superior detection accuracy and are more reliable in identifying past substance use. Unlike urine tests that detect recent use, hair tests present a much broader detection window, making them useful for gaining a comprehensive view of an individual's drug use history.
The extended detection window of up to 90 days for hair follicle testing in Enterprise, LA, is one of its critical advantages. Whereas other methods like urine tests only cover short-term substance use, hair testing gives employers a detailed insight into an individual's drug history. This comprehensive overview helps in making better-informed hiring and monitoring decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Enterprise, LA, is renowned for its resistance to tampering, which greatly diminishes the chances of sample adulteration. The method provides reliable and unquestionable results that cannot easily be manipulated, offering peace of mind and certainty to users who seek integrity in drug testing.
With a network of convenient testing centers spanning nationwide, including locations in Enterprise, LA, we ensure swift, easy access to drug testing services. This comprehensive presence simplifies the testing process, offering both local and national convenience without sacrificing speed or accessibility for individuals and businesses alike.
Our hair follicle testing process in Enterprise, LA, is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. The streamlined procedure from ordering to receiving results assures privacy and ease, addressing any concerns regarding security and personal data protection. Rest assured; our straightforward process becomes hassle-free while maintaining meticulous confidentiality.
In Enterprise, LA, we combine competitive pricing with rapid turnaround times for hair follicle testing, aligning affordability with quality. This approach not only guarantees excellent value for companies, regardless of size, but also enhances their ability to maintain drug-free environments without imposing financial strain.
In Enterprise, LA, hair follicle testing stands out for its swiftness and precision. This testing method offers an unmatched level of accuracy, pinpointing substance use with higher reliability than other methods. The rapid result turnaround further ensures that businesses and individuals can make informed decisions without extended waiting periods, thus enhancing its appeal and effectiveness.
Employing hair follicle testing in Enterprise, LA, ensures strict compliance with drug-free workplace policies, notably reducing potential legal liabilities. For employers, this translates to a safer working environment and overall peace of mind, as they can confidently enforce zero-tolerance drug use policies while maintaining compliance with relevant regulations.
