Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Bourg, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can chronicle a prolonged history of substance use by ensnaring biomarkers within the growing hair shaft's fibers. When procured near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month period of detection for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is uncomplicated to gather, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels beyond 10, 150mg of the sample is recommended. We advise measuring the sample with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Procedure Summary

The laboratory analysis of a drug test involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial entry of a sample into a lab's system. This process includes confirming that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not supplied by an electronic custody system.

Screening involves an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is economical for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result must be validated for legal acceptability. Any samples with presumptive positive results in Screening require further confirmation.

If a sample is presumed positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted at a much lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis one of the more challenging techniques to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are washed before confirmation, as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug analysis:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug analysis can detect drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter detection period.
• Difficult to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is highly challenging, enhancing result accuracy.
• Delivers historical insight: It can illustrate a pattern of drug use over time, not merely recent consumption.

Drawbacks:

• Unable to identify recent consumption: It requires approximately 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug analyses tend to be more costly than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variations: Individual factors like hair color and growth can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis inspects the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle tests with traditional urine tests in Bourg, LA, several advantages emerge. Hair analyses provide a broader detection range, crucial for accurately identifying long-term substance use. The ability to detect drug use beyond the typical window of urine tests ensures that employers and professionals receive a comprehensive view.

Additionally, hair follicle testing exhibits enhanced reliability, offering outcomes that are less prone to tampering. This reinforces confidence in the results, ensuring that decisions based on these tests are grounded in accuracy and truthfulness, thus influencing their growing preference in various sectors.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Bourg, LA, are increasingly choosing hair follicle testing for its expansive detection window, revealing drug use up to 90 days prior. This approach offers a detailed overview of an individual's substance history, aiding in the assessment of candidates and monitoring ongoing employee behavior.

The extended detection period surpasses what standard tests offer, granting companies the insight required to make informed decisions. This foresight is invaluable, especially in industries where safety and reliability are paramount, further accentuating its utility and importance.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Bourg, LA, stands out as a tamper-resistant method, significantly reducing the potential for sample manipulation. Its ability to deliver consistent and unquestionable results strengthens trust among employers and legal professionals.

This testing method's robustness ensures that attempts to alter or adulterate samples are thwarted, making it an ideal choice for entities requiring unfaltering reliability. As a result, hair testing has become the gold standard for those needing definitive assessments.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing offers unbeatable convenience with nationwide centers, including local testing sites in Bourg, LA. This vast network simplifies access to testing services, streamlining the process for individuals and organizations alike.

Local and widespread availability ensures testing is both hassle-free and timely. Whether in a central city or a remote area, our centers are accessible, making the testing process straightforward and efficient for all involved.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Bourg, LA, accessing the straightforward and private hair follicle testing process is easier than ever. Ordering and undergoing tests ensure confidentiality from start to finish, addressing concerns regarding privacy head-on.

The streamlined procedure is comforting for those who value discretion, guaranteeing results remain personal. This simplicity in process design is crafted to ease any apprehensions about confidentiality, making it the preferred choice for many.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Bourg, LA, benefits from Accredited Drug Testing’s competitive pricing, making hair follicle tests not only affordable but valuable. Quick turnaround times further enhance the attractiveness of this service, assuring companies of all sizes of excellent value.

This cost-effectiveness, coupled with speedy results, ensures organizations manage drug screening budgets wisely while not compromising on quality. It’s an advantageous proposition for businesses large and small seeking effective testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Bourg, LA, hair follicle drug testing provides not only rapid but reliable outcomes. This method boasts high precision in detecting substance use, making it a top choice for ensuring accurate results. The speed with which these tests can confirm drug use renders them indispensable for those seeking certainty and efficiency in substance screening.

This precision is coupled with an expedited process, allowing employers, legal professionals, and individuals alike to quickly access critical information. Such efficiency guarantees swift decision-making, whether for hiring purposes or legal requirements, reinforcing its status as a preferred testing option.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Bourg, LA, hair follicle testing delivers compliance assurance and peace of mind. Adhering to workplace drug-free policies mitigates legal risks and boosts overall safety, making it an essential tool in many industries.

The assurance that employees are consistently adhering to these policies alleviates potential challenges and enhances operational integrity. By opting for hair testing, companies can navigate legal landscapes confidently, ensuring adherence to necessary regulations.

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