Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as a potent method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures a lasting record of substance use by incorporating biomarkers into the structure of the hair as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer a detection range of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, moderately challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, composed of about 200 hair strands (approximately the circumference of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, the ideal amount for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to use 150mg of the specimen. We suggest weighing the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair can't be collected, an equivalent amount of body hair might be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
Laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample is integrated into a laboratory’s system. This phase ensures the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigns a random laboratoire accessioning number (LAN), and fills any extra data entry not offered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in the majority of cases, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in legal settings. Samples indicating presumptive positives in Screening require further confirmation.
When a sample suggests a positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, compounds are isolated from the hair at considerably lower levels than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair testing the most complex methodology to conduct.
Any positive result from Screening is verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positives are cleansed prior to confirmation if required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the examination itself is on the hair shaft, rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
When weighing hair follicle testing against traditional urine methods in Serena, LA, hair tests offer notable benefits. Superior accuracy and longer detection periods make them the preferred choice. Hair tests are less likely to be manipulated and provide a clearer picture of long-term drug use. Compared to urine tests, hair testing offers more reliable results, making it ideal for ensuring a drug-free environment.
The Extended Detection Window of hair follicle testing in Serena, LA, stretches up to an impressive 90 days. This protracted timeframe offers employers a comprehensive overview of an individual's historical drug use. It not only reveals recent habits but also provides insights into an extended substance history, crucial for making thorough and dependable employment decisions.
In Serena, LA, the advantages of using hair follicle tests lie in its Tamper-Resistant Testing Method. By considerably lowering the risk of sample adulteration, these tests produce results that are both reliable and unquestionable. The design inherently protects the integrity of each sample, preserving the authenticity and dependability of the outcomes.
With Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and local sites in Serena, LA, accessing testing services is straightforward. The national presence means that tests can be conducted quickly and easily, ensuring a hassle-free experience for clients anywhere, thereby facilitating efficient and seamless drug testing processes across various regions.
In Serena, LA, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. Clients will find ease in ordering, undertaking, and receiving test results. The streamlined process respects privacy at each step, addressing potential concerns related to confidentiality and ensuring a user-friendly experience for all involved.
In Serena, LA, we offer Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround on hair follicle tests. Our competitive pricing structure is designed to suit all company sizes, ensuring high value. The expedited delivery of results provides peace of mind for employers, ensuring timely and effective decision-making processes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Serena, LA are what hair follicle tests stand for. They deliver unmatched precision in detecting substance use. The method's high accuracy ensures that substances are effectively identified, providing stakeholders with the confidence required to make informed decisions rapidly, enhancing workplace and community safety.
Relying on hair follicle testing in Serena, LA, assures Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers.