Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective instrument for detecting substance use involving drugs and alcohol. Hair acts as a timeline record of alcohol and drug consumption by capturing biomarkers in the hair strand as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for substances such as alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil's thickness) taken closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, deemed the ideal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is not available, an equal volume of body hair can be collected. By "head hair," we are specifically referring to scalp hair only. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample was accurately sealed and sent, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid analysis to check for drug abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-effective method to exclude drug use across most samples, a positive result in Screening needs confirmation for court admissibility. Thus, any samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening require a further confirmation step.
If a sample is flagged as presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In this step, drugs are separated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening a particularly challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation for any positive result from Screening is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo a wash prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Husser, LA
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests, hair analysis showcases superior detection capabilities. While urine tests cover a brief detection window and are more susceptible to tampering, hair testing overcomes these limitations by providing a longer and more accurate history of substance use. Employers and legal entities praise its reliability, ensuring consistent and dependable results.
Extended Detection Window in Husser, LA
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection period, capturing drug use up to 90 days prior. This allows employers and agencies to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history. Such a long detection timeframe proves invaluable, especially when ongoing substance use monitoring is crucial for employment or legal purposes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Husser, LA
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the threat of sample adulteration, ensuring results cannot be easily manipulated. The stringent sample collection procedures and the inherent qualities of hair composition make these tests tamper-proof. This high level of security assures that test results are legitimate and trustworthy, eliminating doubts about potential interference.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Husser, LA
Our extensive network of nationwide testing centers simplifies access to drug testing services with swift and convenient sessions. With local facilities in Husser, LA, individuals can easily access the required assessments without hassle, ensuring a smooth process from appointment to result.
Simple, Confidential Process in Husser, LA
The hair follicle testing process is straightforward and respects privacy at every stage, from scheduling the test to receiving results. This seamless, confidential procedure ensures that personal information is protected, addressing any concerns about privacy while remaining user-friendly for all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Husser, LA
With competitive pricing structures and rapid turnaround times, companies of all sizes benefit from efficient and cost-effective drug testing services. Our commitment to providing value ensures that businesses can confidently employ these services without financial strain, while maintaining high standards of testing quality and speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Husser, LA
Hair follicle drug testing offers unmatched precision and swiftness in detecting drug use, providing robust results that assure accuracy. The meticulous analysis performed on hair samples reveals comprehensive substance use history, ensuring reliability in results. This method of testing guarantees high accuracy due to the organic nature of sample collection and processing, reducing misinterpretations and errors.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Husser, LA
Employers can achieve compliance with drug-free workplace policies by implementing hair follicle testing, which enhances workplace safety and mitigates legal risks. This method not only meets regulatory requirements but also fosters a secure, drug-free environment, offering employers peace of mind around maintaining a lawful and safe work setting.
