Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Benton, LA

What it is, How it works

Regarded as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use, hair testing captures a long-term record of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers. Hair gathered near the scalp covers up to a roughly three-month detection period for both alcohol and drugs. It's straightforward to collect, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

Acquiring a 1.5-inch hair sample comprising around 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) from near the scalp equates to 100mg, deemed an ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent weight of body hair might be obtained. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair covers all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Overview

There are four principal steps in processing a drug test result in the laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning comprises the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab's system. It includes verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing extra data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening performs an initial rapid assessment of substance abuse. While cost-effective in ruling out most samples for drug use, any positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in court. Any samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.

If Screening reveals a presumptive positive, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and categorized for Extraction. This step involves isolating drugs from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening presents more challenges.

GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods affirm any positive Screening findings. Every presumptive positive sample is washed before confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is reviewed per the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug usage up to 90 days, surpassing urine tests' shorter detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: The challenge in deceiving a hair drug test leads to more reliable outcomes.
• Chronological data provision: It can illustrate an extended pattern of drug use rather than only recent occurrences.

Limitations:

• Inability to spot recent use: It typically takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier compared to other drug monitoring methods.
• Result variability: Hair color and personal hair growth characteristics can impact drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually refers to the hair strand and not the scalp hair follicle

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Testing Prevails Over Urine Tests in Benton, LA
Hair follicle testing holds notable advantages over traditional urine tests. With superior detection accuracy, it reliably identifies drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests limited to shorter windows. This makes hair testing a preferred choice for organizations seeking robust drug monitoring.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Benton, LA
The capability of hair follicle testing to detect substance use extends up to 90 days, providing employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's drug history. Such extensive coverage ensures a comprehensive evaluation, aiding better decision-making in the hiring or retaining processes.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Secure and Tamper-Resistant Testing in Benton, LA
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the risk of sample adulteration. The collection process is observed, making it difficult to alter or substitute samples, thereby offering reliable and indisputable results, granting companies confidence in the integrity of their testing protocols.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Testing Across Benton, LA and Nationwide
Our testing centers strategically placed nationwide, including those in Benton, LA, ensure easy access to testing services. This widespread availability promotes hassle-free and swift testing experiences for all individuals, emphasizing ease and timely access over cumbersome processes.

Simple, Confidential Process

Streamlined and Confidential in Benton, LA
The process of initiating, undergoing, and obtaining results from hair follicle tests is both simple and private. Our services respect client confidentiality while ensuring ease, thus addressing privacy concerns and ensuring stress-free, discrete testing experiences.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordability and Quick Results in Benton, LA
Our hair follicle testing services offer competitive pricing with fast turnaround, delivering outstanding value. With efficiency and affordability, these services cater to businesses of all sizes, ensuring budget-friendly solutions coupled with peace of mind from timely results.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Benton, LA: Rapid and Accurate Testing
Hair follicle tests offer impressive speed and precision. Detecting substance use with high accuracy, these tests deliver trustworthy results quickly. Employers benefit from their reliability, knowing they GET precise assessments. The method helps ensure a safer workplace environment without the delays associated with other test types.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Ensuring Compliance and Employer Assurance in Benton, LA
Employing hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies. With accurate and extended detection windows, these tests help circumvent legal complications, reinforcing safety and compliance, hence providing peace of mind to employers focused on maintaining a secure work environment.

Drug Testing Near Benton, LA

Rogers, LA