Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has garnered recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, moderately hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment from around 200 strands of hair (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will produce 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or more than 10 panels, 150mg of the hair specimen is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is advisable. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent volume of body hair might be used. When discussing head hair, it pertains only to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome comprises four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial phase where a sample is integrated into a lab’s database. This step includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid check for substance abuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly approach to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal acceptance. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive at the Screening phase, more hair from the original sample is taken out and readied for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are derived from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology.
Confirming any positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptively positive are cleaned prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in accordance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the scalp-embedded hair follicle.
In Perryville, LA, hair follicle testing stands out due to its superior detection accuracy over traditional urine tests. Employers and professionals benefit from its reliability, reducing the chance of false negatives often seen with urine tests.
Compared to urine tests, hair tests have a longer detection window, making them better at identifying long-term substance use and offering peace of mind to employers.
Hair follicle testing in Perryville, LA offers an extended detection window, tracing drug use up to 90 days past. This gives employers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history.
Unlike shorter-term urine tests, these tests provide valuable insight into an employee's or applicant's long-term habits, fostering a more informed decision-making process.
One of the major advantages of hair follicle tests in Perryville, LA is their tamper-resistant nature. Sample adulteration is significantly reduced, ensuring the integrity and reliability of results.
This method guarantees unquestionable results, vital for maintaining trust and accountability in workplace and legal settings, thanks to its resistance to common cheating tactics.
Our numerous testing centers make drug testing convenient across Perryville, LA, and Nationwide. Access to testing services is quick and hassle-free.
Whether local or across the country, our network of nationwide locations ensures timely access for all your testing needs, ensuring efficiency and ease in the testing process.
Our process in Perryville, LA is designed to be simple yet confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving test results are streamlined, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
Confidence in confidentiality means that individuals and employers can focus on obtaining results without the stress of complex procedures, guaranteeing ease and discretion throughout.
Competitive pricing in Perryville, LA ensures that companies of all sizes enjoy affordable testing solutions. Our fast turnaround times mean businesses can promptly access crucial data.
Our commitment to providing excellent value supports companies large and small, ensuring they can maintain safe, compliant environments efficiently.
In Perryville, LA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their exceptional speed and accuracy in detecting substance use. Their precision is unmatched, ensuring reliable results every time.
With swift processing times, individuals and employers can quickly obtain accurate information necessary for making informed decisions, enhancing the efficiency of employment and legal screenings.
Employers in Perryville, LA can achieve compliance with workplace drug-free policies through hair follicle testing. This method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety.
By ensuring a comprehensive drug-free environment, businesses not only meet regulatory standards but also bolster peace of mind, protecting both their employees and their operations.