Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Alexandria, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extended history of substance intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When sampled near the scalp, hair can indicate substance use over a period of up to three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and easily transported.

A 1.5-inch portion comprising roughly 200 hair strands (resembling the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels beyond 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. We advise measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a commensurate quantity of body hair may be utilized. In the context of head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary phases in processing a drug test in a laboratory setting include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the introductory phase where a sample is entered into a lab’s system. This involves ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is an initial examination for substances of abuse. While cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screening result needs confirmation to be legally admissible. Any samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

If a sample is presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is removed from the sample and prepared for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire testing procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extensive detection period: Hair drug testing can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter detection frame.
• High difficulty to deceive: Cheating on a hair drug test is notably challenging, increasing result reliability.
• Captures data over time: It indicates a drug use pattern over time, rather than recent use alone.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: Drugs only become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-use.
• Expense: Hair drug testing typically costs more than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and individual variations in hair growth can impact drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Despite being commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Alexandria, LA Hair follicle testing is superior due to its longer detection window, catching drug use far more effectively. Unlike urine tests, which offer a shorter detection span, hair tests lend a broader insight into an individual's substance usage patterns.

Additionally, hair tests are harder to tamper with, providing a sturdy barrier against misleading results. Employers favor this method for its reliability and the comprehensive overview it provides over the span of up to 90 days.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Alexandria, LA highlights hair follicle testing as an exemplary choice due to its ability to identify drug usage for as long as 90 days. This extended timeframe offers employers in Alexandria a detailed overview of an individual's substance history.

With hair follicle tests, there's a significant advantage in observing patterns of use over three months, compared to the much shorter timeframe of most other methods. This extended window allows employers to better gauge the habits of applicants or employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Alexandria, LA showcases the effectiveness of hair follicle analysis in minimizing the risk of sample alteration. This reduces chances for manipulation, ensuring that results are unquestionably authentic and reliable.

By employing hair tests, Alexandria facilities are equipped to provide results that stand up against scrutiny. This resistance to tampering makes hair follicle tests a robust choice for reliable drug screening.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Alexandria, LA highlight the accessibility and ease offered by our widespread testing centers. These locations allow for swift, straightforward, and effortless testing experiences.

In Alexandria, individuals benefit from swift access to testing services, ensuring minimal disruption and maximal convenience. The widespread locations make drug testing an easily accessible service for all.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Alexandria, LA articulates the straightforward and private nature involved in tests. From organizing to execution, every step is designed to respect privacy and ensure comfort.

Clients in Alexandria can trust the confidentiality maintained throughout the process, from test order to result delivery, addressing privacy concerns and simplifying the overall experience for all involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Alexandria, LA underscore our competitive rates paired with quick result delivery. Ensuring exceptional value, this service caters effectively to businesses of diverse sizes.

Companies in Alexandria benefit from the reasonable pricing, paired with rapid result availability, achieving an exceptional balance of cost and speed, reinforcing peace of mind and valuable service.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Alexandria, LA provide a sense of assurance by delivering precise hair follicle drug test outcomes, with speed and efficiency. Alexandria's testing facilities ensure quick turnarounds and steadfast precision, making it a preferred choice for substance detection.

The accuracy of hair follicle drug testing outpaces traditional methods, swiftly pinpointing substance use. The testing process is designed to offer results that are both reliable and timely, allowing accurate tracking of drug use.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Alexandria, LA stress the role of hair follicle testing in adhering to workplace drug policies, enhancing safety and reducing legal exposure. Employers gain confidence that their environment remains drug-free.

The thoroughness and reliability of hair testing assure compliance, significantly lowering the risks associated with workplace safety violations and legal challenges. This method helps maintain a secure, compliant workplace.

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