Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The evaluation of hair has been recognized as an effective means for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When samples are taken near the scalp, this provides an approximate three-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other substances. Collection is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and transportation is convenient.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness) taken closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and validation. For EtG assessments, additional tests, and/or more than 10-panel tests, a 150mg specimen is advised. It's recommended to gauge the sample’s weight with a jeweler’s scale. If hair from the scalp isn’t available, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair exclusively pertain to scalp hair, while body hair refers to all other types such as facial or axillary hair.
Procedure Summary
The laboratory drug testing process involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is integrated into the laboratory’s system. This consists of checking if the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary and quick examination for drug abuse. While it is cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screening result must be verified for legal admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening need a secondary confirmation.
For samples deemed presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair from the initial sample is prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. As needed, all samples presumed positive are washed before confirmation. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Positive Aspects of Hair Drug Testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Though commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In New Era, LA, hair follicle testing is increasingly preferred over traditional urine tests. Some advantages include:
Having a comprehensive overview means better safety and policy compliance.
With an extended detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle tests provide unmatched insights into a person's drug use. Employers in New Era, LA, benefit from this comprehensive view, ensuring informed hiring decisions. This period allows for detection of substance habits, giving a detailed history of the candidate or employee's lifestyle choices.
In New Era, LA, hair follicle testing stands out as a tamper-resistant method. It drastically reduces the chances of sample adulteration, leading to reliable outcomes. Unlike urine tests, where adulteration is possible, hair tests provide results that are unquestionable. Employers can trust these results, enhancing integrity in the testing process.
Convenience is at the heart of our services, with nationwide and local testing locations in New Era, LA. Our centers provide timely and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing. Wherever you're based, you can find a suitable location nearby, making the process smooth and efficient for all clients.
Our simple and confidential process in New Era, LA assures users of privacy and ease. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes the client's comfort and discretion. Concerns about privacy are eliminated, as confidentiality is at the forefront of our service, ensuring a smooth experience for all involved.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, Accredited Drug Testing in New Era, LA, provides excellent value for businesses. Our competitive prices coupled with quick results deliver peace of mind, enabling companies to proceed without delays. This makes our services ideal for organizations regardless of size.
Hair follicle testing offers fast, accurate, and reliable results in New Era, LA. Its precision and speed make it unmatched in detecting substance use. Hair tests boast high accuracy, providing clear insights into an individual's drug-use history. The advanced technology ensures that results are trustworthy, allowing employers to make informed decisions efficiently.
Hair follicle testing in New Era, LA guarantees compliance and peace of mind for employers. By using these tests, workplaces can enforce drug-free policies effectively, minimizing legal complications and enhancing safety. Adopting this method ensures that organizations adhere to necessary regulations, cultivating a healthier work environment.