Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Bayou Vista, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is widely regarded as an effective method for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair can reveal a prolonged record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Collecting hair near the scalp can offer nearly a 3-month duration of detection for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.

A sample of roughly 1.5 inches, consisting of 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) and closest to the scalp, provides 100mg, which is optimal for assessments and verification. For EtG, add-ons, or panels surpassing 10, a 150mg specimen is advised. It's suggested to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, an equivalent portion of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers solely to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary steps in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial stage in incorporating a sample into the lab’s workflow. This step involves ensuring the sample's seal and proper shipment, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering additional data if not captured by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening serves as an initial and swift evaluation for substances of abuse. Though Screening economically excludes drug use for most samples, a positive outcome necessitates confirmation for legal validity. Samples appearing positive during Screening require further validation.

Should a sample return a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair from the original sample is used in the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations lower than what's found in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), highlighting the complexity of hair testing.

Confirmation of positive Screenings occurs through techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples get washed prior to confirmation as warranted. The lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accredited by ISO / IEC 17025.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use extending up to 90 days, in contrast to shorter-term urine tests.
• Difficulty to cheat: It is notably hard to manipulate a hair drug test, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Provides historical data: It offers an overview of drug consumption patterns over time, beyond recent use alone.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs become identifiable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Cost: Typically, hair drug tests are pricier compared to other test methods.
• Variations in results: Hair color and individual hair growth variability can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Bayou Vista, LA, stands out by offering advantages over more traditional urine testing. Longer detection periods and greater accuracy make it a superior choice. Its reliability stems from the ability to monitor drug use over time, unlike urine tests, which have a limited detection window.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of up to 90 days provided by hair follicle testing in Bayou Vista, LA, offers employers an in-depth view of an individual’s drug use history. This comprehensive perspective is essential for deciding on new hires or monitoring current employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Bayou Vista, LA, hair follicle tests minimize the risk of sample tampering. The nature of the test ensures that results are uncontaminated, providing unquestionable and reliable data, free from the common issues associated with adulteration.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With testing centers located across Bayou Vista, LA, and nationwide, we offer accessible and convenient testing services. This ensures individuals and businesses have quick access to necessary testing services without hassle.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Bayou Vista, LA, the process for hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. From ordering to results, every step is designed to protect privacy while ensuring ease of use, addressing key concerns for many users.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable pricing and fast turnaround make hair follicle testing in Bayou Vista, LA, a valued choice. Our competitive structure ensures excellent value, catering to companies of all sizes, providing both assurance and economic efficiency.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Bayou Vista, LA, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. Their precision makes them ideal for detecting substance use effectively. These tests leverage advanced techniques to ensure that every trace of drug use is identified.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Bayou Vista, LA, can enjoy compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. This method supports workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, which is crucial for a productive environment.

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