Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Abbeville, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance use by capturing biomarkers in the strands of the growing hair. When taken from near the scalp, hair can show a detection window of up to nearly 90 days for drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easily transportable.

A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation processes. For tests involving EtG, additional requests, and panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing is suggested. If scalp hair isn't an option, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. Reference to head hair specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four principal stages in the lab processing of a drug test sample are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial phase, involving the integration of a sample into a lab’s system. It ensures that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While it is an economical approach to dismiss drug usage in many samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that are preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

Should a sample be preliminarily positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), thereby making hair drug testing a highly challenging methodology.

Confirmation of any positive outcome from screening is performed using either GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests offer a detection window of up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which detect drug use over a shorter period.
• Hard to circumvent: Cheating a hair drug test is incredibly challenging, rendering the results more dependable.
• Provides a timeline of use: Helps in providing a pattern of drug consumption over time, rather than just immediate use.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair roughly 5-7 days after consumption.
• Cost: Hair drug tests are typically more costly than other drug screening techniques.
• Result variability: Aspects like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the detectable drug metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: Despite often being termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Abbeville, LA
Hair follicle tests offer unmatched detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. In Abbeville, LA, these tests provide superior reliability, capturing a more extended history of substance use. This advantage makes hair testing the preferred choice for those seeking thorough assessments.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Abbeville, LA
Utilizing hair follicle testing allows detection of drug use over an impressive 90 days, offering employers in Abbeville a comprehensive view into the substance history of applicants or staff. This extended window provides a clearer picture compared to other methods.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Abbeville, LA
Hair follicle testing in Abbeville vastly reduces chances of tampering. By minimizing adulteration risks, the method guarantees reliable results. Businesses and individuals alike benefit from the integrity these tests offer.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Abbeville, LA
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures that accessing services is quick and hassle-free in Abbeville, LA. With nationwide reach, our locations provide an inviting convenience for anyone in need of testing.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Abbeville, LA
From ordering to receiving results, our hair follicle testing process in Abbeville, LA is straightforward and confidential. We prioritize user privacy, ensuring a seamless experience tailored to your needs.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Abbeville, LA
In Abbeville, our competitive pricing structures and rapid turnaround times make hair follicle testing a valuable choice. Companies of all sizes can benefit from the excellent value and reliability we provide.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Abbeville, LA
In Abbeville, LA, hair follicle testing is a beacon of precision and speed. The testing method ensures high accuracy in substance detection, marking a new standard in drug testing. Its meticulous approach means that results are not only fast but reliable, giving stakeholders confidence in the outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Abbeville, LA
Employers in Abbeville gain peace of mind using hair follicle testing for compliance with drug-free workplace policies. The method not only minimizes legal risks but also enhances safety throughout the work environment.

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