Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Considering its efficacy, hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands encapsulate a prolonged account of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected from near the scalp, this method provides a detection timeframe of up to approximately three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimum amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to use 150mg of hair. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be utilized. By noting head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair comprises all other types (including facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four major phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step of processing a sample into a laboratory’s system. This involves confirming the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry if required, excluding what an electronic chain of custody system provides.
Screening innately conducts a swift examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage in the majority of samples, any positive screen demands confirmation to be admissible in court. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Suppose a sample is presumptively positive during the Screening. In that case, further hair is extracted from the initial sample, preparing it for the Extraction phase, where drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most intricate methodology.
Confirming any positive screening result is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation when required. The laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny complying with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," this test actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Kingston, LA, surpasses traditional urine testing by offering more reliable and accurate detection. Hair testing provides a broader window of detection, capturing drug use up to 90 days prior, something urine tests cannot match. This extended detection range makes hair tests the preferred choice for ensuring comprehensive substance history assessments, ultimately providing superior accuracy and peace of mind in testing results.
In Kingston, LA, hair follicle testing is favored for its extensive detection period for drug use, up to 90 days. This prolonged window provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history. Unlike other methods, hair testing offers a historical perspective on drug use, granting employers the capacity to make informed decisions regarding current employees or potential hires based on reliable substance use data.
Hair follicle drug tests conducted in Kingston, LA, offer a tamper-resistant approach to drug screening. The difficulty of altering or contaminating hair samples ensures the integrity of results, making this method nearly impossible to cheat. This reliability shields the process from fraudulent activities, maintaining an authentic and trustworthy assessment, crucial for both employers enforcing drug policies and legal authorities seeking credible test outcomes.
With testing centers strategically positioned across the nation, including Kingston, LA, we ensure accessible service wherever you are. Our widespread network of facilities makes it straightforward for individuals and employers to avail testing services seamlessly. By prioritizing convenience and quick access to hair follicle testing, we simplify the process, supporting timely and stress-free drug screening for varied needs and requirements.
The hair follicle testing process in Kingston, LA, is both simple and confidential, catering to those with privacy concerns. From ordering the test to receiving results, the streamlined procedure ensures confidentiality is maintained throughout. This careful handling enhances trust and eases the users' experience, giving assurances of discretion while providing accurate drug test outcomes swiftly.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times in Kingston, LA, our hair follicle testing services present significant value for businesses of all sizes. Our cost-effective approach ensures that quality testing is accessible without compromising on speed of results. Clients can expect affordable, reliable service and expedient delivery of accurate results, reinforcing confidence and reliability in their workplace drug testing programs.
In Kingston, LA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their swift and accurate results. Known for their high precision, these tests efficiently detect recent substance use with reliability. The advanced technique ensures that individuals undergoing testing receive prompt outcomes, supporting informed decisions and peace of mind. Employers gain invaluable insight, guaranteeing a drug-free workplace environment with fast turnarounds.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Kingston, LA, ensures regulatory compliance and instills peace of mind for employers. By maintaining a drug-free work environment, companies can significantly reduce potential legal liabilities. Hair testing's accurate detection capabilities help enforce workplace policies efficiently, leading to enhanced safety and security for both employers and employees. This method promotes trust, safety, and adherence to necessary standards.