Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a long-term record of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the hair's growing fiber. Sampling hair near the scalp can offer a detection span of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. This method is easy to collect, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp yields approximately 100mg, which is ideal for testing. For EtG, additional tests, or panels beyond 10, 150mg is suggested. It's best to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is insufficient, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. 'Head hair' specifically refers to scalp hair. 'Body hair' denotes all other types (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in the lab consists of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory's framework. This step includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing entries in the electronic custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary examination for drug abuse. Though cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, any positive screen must be verified to hold up in legal settings. Samples with preliminary positive results through Screening necessitate further confirmation.
When a sample tests preliminarily positive during Screening, additional strands from the original sample are prepared for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis particularly challenging.
Verification of positive results from screening uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with preliminary positives are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although termed “hair follicle tests,” the actual test examines the hair itself, not the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Riverton, LA When comparing hair follicle testing and urine tests, the former excels in detection and reliability. It ensures superior accuracy for long-term substance use assessment.
Extended Detection Window in Riverton, LA Hair follicle testing uniquely offers a 90-day detection window, diving deep into one's substance history—vital for employers seeking thorough applicant screening.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Riverton, LA Hair follicle tests drastically reduce the chances of cheating, enhancing result dependability. This ensures trust and integrity within the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Riverton, LA Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide ensures hassle-free access to services, including a local hub in Riverton.
Simple, Confidential Process in Riverton, LA The process of ordering, taking, and receiving test results remains straightforward, preserving confidentiality and easing individual concerns.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Riverton, LA Our services promise competitive rates paired with quick result processing, catering to businesses of all sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Riverton, LA Hair follicle drug testing sets the standard for precision, offering quick-turnaround analysis with confirmed reliability. Such tests efficiently uncover substance use, enabling prompt action.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Riverton, LA Utilizing hair follicle tests upholds drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and bolstering safety standards.