Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Bertrandville, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a chronological record of alcohol and drug use by securing biomarkers within its growing fibers. Hair collected close to the scalp can offer up to a three-month detection window for intoxicants. This method is straightforward in collection, resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG tests, additions, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. We advise weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing sequence of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning introduces the sample into the lab’s system. This step verifies the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any additional manual data entry necessary, not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial, swift evaluation for drugs of abuse. Screening serves as a cost-efficient means to exclude drug usage in most samples; however, a positive screening requires confirmation to be legally acceptable. Samples that return presumptive positives necessitate further confirmation.

Should a sample return presumptive positive results in Screening, additional hair is gathered from the primary specimen for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug analysis is among the most challenging methodologies.

Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are pre-washed for Confirmation as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review following the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and conforms to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug assessments can reveal drug use up to 90 days back, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection duration.
• Resistance to manipulation: Hair drug tests are notably hard to deceive, enhancing the reliability of results.
• Provides usage trends: It renders a usage pattern spanning a timeline, rather than reflecting only recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: Detection in hair takes about 5-7 days post drug intake.
• Expense: Hair drug assessments usually cost more than alternative testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Despite being commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

The advantage of hair follicle testing in Bertrandville, LA, over urine tests is apparent in its superior detection period. Typically covering up to 90 days, hair tests are unmatched in offering an extended timeline for substance detection.

When contrasted with traditional urine testing, hair tests provide better accuracy and reliability. They are less prone to manipulation, yielding more trustworthy results when evaluating substance use.

Employers in the area benefit from the comprehensive insights delivered by hair testing, which surpasses the limited scope of urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

In Bertrandville, LA, hair follicle tests extend their detection window significantly. Spanning up to 90 days, these tests give a more complete picture of an individual's substance use history.

This extended detection period is invaluable for employers and organizations aiming to maintain a drug-free environment by offering a broader assessment of an applicant or employee's behavior.

Providing a comprehensive look at substance use, hair follicle testing allows for informed decision-making in a professional setting.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Bertrandville, LA, greatly reduce tampering risks, presenting a trustworthy testing solution. Unlike other methods, hair tests are difficult to alter, ensuring the integrity of results.

Employers can rely on the tamper-resistant nature of hair testing to make accurate evaluations. This method provides an additional layer of security in drug testing processes.

The unquestionable reliability of hair tests means that results are dependable, reducing the chances of falsified data.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our presence in Bertrandville, LA, includes convenient testing locations, making it easy to access our services. With centers nationwide, we offer quick and straightforward testing processes.

The accessibility of these locations ensures a hassle-free experience for individuals and organizations, providing the flexibility needed for timely testing.

For those in Bertrandville, nationwide connectivity means reliable service when it's most needed, without complications.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Bertrandville, LA, our hair follicle testing is a simple and confidential process. The straightforward procedures respect privacy and ensure sensitive handling of information.

From ordering to taking and receiving results, the ease of use ensures that the process is user-friendly, addressing privacy concerns thoughtfully.

Individuals benefit from the confidential handling of their tests, knowing that their data remains protected throughout.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering affordable pricing in Bertrandville, LA, our hair follicle testing ensures a reasonable investment for businesses of all sizes. Competitive rates help manage costs effectively.

Our services are designed to deliver fast turnaround times, providing results promptly and supporting continuous operations without delay.

Companies appreciate the excellent value offered by our cost-effective testing, aligning with budgets and providing peace of mind.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Bertrandville, LA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and accuracy. They offer a quick turnaround and are highly reliable in identifying substance use patterns.

The precision of hair testing ensures rapid and trustworthy results. With meticulous analysis, these tests succeed in revealing drug and alcohol use with robustness and efficiency.

For those seeking fast results, hair testing in Bertrandville provides accurate insights swiftly and helps make informed decisions with confidence.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

With hair follicle testing in Bertrandville, LA, employers achieve both compliance and confidence. This method supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal concerns.

The application of hair tests in the workplace enhances peace of mind, ensuring safety and integrity in professional environments.

By choosing hair follicle testing, organizations embrace a proactive approach in maintaining workplace standards and reducing risks associated with substance use.

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What's New In Hair Follicle Drug Testing according to the Hair Drug Testing Experts

With its multidisciplinary nature, hair testing brings together researchers, scientists, and experts from various domains to develop innovative techniques, explore new methodologies, and address emerging concerns, responding to the ever-evolving challenges of drug abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring, and environmental exposures to pollutants.

The joint meeting of the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) and the Italian Group of Forensic Toxicologists (GTFI) was organized in Verona, June 8–10, 2022, and hosted by the Legal Medicine team of the Verona University Hospital, directed by Franco Tagliaro together with Federica Bortolotti and Rossella Gottardo.

It served as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, facilitating groundbreaking advancements in hair testing and analysis. In this special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, we aim to showcase the remarkable manuscripts presented at this significant event, shedding light on the latest research and highlighting the future directions in this field.

Novel Analytical Techniques: The Verona meeting witnessed the unveiling of cutting-edge analytical techniques, offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy for drug testing. Remarkable advancements in sample preparation, detection, and identification of drug compounds have been presented. The manuscripts in this section presented novel approaches, such as multianalyte methods and on-line preparation which can enable rapid analysis and improve thorough forensic investigations.

Biomarkers and Pharmacokinetics: The identification and validation of reliable biomarkers and pharmacokinetic studies are fundamental aspects of drug testing and analysis. The impact of hair treatments on the oxidation/decomposition of drugs in hair was also explored, as the long-term fate of drugs incorporated in the keratin matrix. Furthermore, the SoHT meeting in Verona featured research on the identification and quantification of alcohol abuse biomarkers, their stability, and their correlation with exposure and other biomarkers.

Forensic Applications and Interpretation: One of the vital objectives of hair testing is its application in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. The SoHT meeting in Verona emphasized the significance of rigorous interpretation of analytical results and the need for standardized protocols. Manuscripts in this section present advancements in forensic toxicology, and have explored the challenges posed by emerging designer drugs and strategies to combat their proliferation. The pitfalls encountered when the exogenous/endogenous nature of a substance is questioned were presented and discussed. The special issue presents also manuscripts that delve into the ethical implications of drug testing in drug facilitated sexual assaults.

Clinical Applications of hair testing are witnessed by the insight on environmental tobacco smoke exposure, assessed by hair analysis in a population of students and the study of in utero-exposure to drugs of abuse through neonatal hair analysis. Exposure to drugs was also important in cases of child abuse/neglect, when the clinical purpose of hair testing merge with its forensic applications.

The legal framework surrounding hair testing and the achievement of guidelines to ensure fairness, accuracy, and confidentiality in drug testing practices have also been discussed,and the SoHT consensus on general hair testing and testing for drugs of abuse was presented at the meeting and published as a Letter to the Editor.

In conclusion, the special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, featuring manuscripts from the SoHT–GTFI meeting in Verona 2022, reflects the remarkable advancements achieved in this field. The manuscripts provide valuable insights into novel analytical techniques, biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, forensic applications, and ethical considerations. As we embrace these advancements, we pave the way for a safer, healthier society, where drug testing and analysis serve as powerful tools in protecting public health and maintaining integrity in various sectors. The research presented in this special issue will undoubtedly shape the future of drug testing and analysis, fostering collaboration and inspiring further innovation in this crucial area of scientific inquiry.

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