Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Braithwaite, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective means for uncovering substance and alcohol consumption. It captures long-term substance footprints and alcohol in the hair's developing fibers. When procured near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a roughly three-month span of detection for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, comparatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to mail.

A 1.5-inch sample consisting of close to 200 hair strands (approximately the dimension of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will offer 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for evaluating and confirming. For EtG, supplementary, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's advised to use 150mg of the sample. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a similar quantity of body hair may be gathered. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair refers to all other hair types (like facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning incorporates the initial processing of a specimen into the lab’s system. This encompasses ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any further data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody method.

Screening consists of a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of misuse. Though Screening offers a budget-friendly means to rule out drug usage for most specimens, a positive result mandates confirmation for it to be valid in court. Any specimens that show preliminary positivity in Screening do necessitate a secondary verification.

If a specimen shows preliminary positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for preparation for Extraction. In this phase, substances are removed from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence hair drug analysis is the most challenging method to conduct.

Verification of any positive result from screening is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are cleansed before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory process encompassing Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair label and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 guidelines.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair drug analyses can detect substance use for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests which have a shorter detection timeframe.
• Challenging to falsify: It's exceedingly hard to deceive a hair drug analysis, enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers longitudinal insights: It can trace substance use over a timeframe, not just recent activity.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect current use: It takes around 5-7 days for substances to become noticeable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug analyses are typically pricier than alternative drug testing techniques.
• Result variations: Factors such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can impact the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: While frequently referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Braithwaite, LA, hair testing surpasses urine tests by detecting substance use over extended periods.

This method provides superior detection and reliability, offering insights urine tests cannot match.

Extended Detection Window

Hair testing in Braithwaite, LA offers an impressive detection window, revealing substance use for up to 90 days.

This method empowers employers with a thorough understanding of a person's substance history, more than what's possible with other tests.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Braithwaite, LA is inherently resistant to tampering, ensuring results remain trustworthy.

Unlike urine tests, it's nearly impossible to alter hair samples, providing a more secure screening option.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient access to nationwide testing centers, including Braithwaite, LA, ensures quick and hassle-free service.

Enjoy seamless access to our extensive network, designed to cater to your testing needs efficiently.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair testing process in Braithwaite, LA is simple and confidential.

We address privacy concerns and ensure ease at every step, from ordering to receiving results, ensuring a seamless experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Braithwaite, LA, our affordable pricing and fast turnaround make drug testing accessible.

Competitive rates and prompt results offer excellent value, catering to companies of any size.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Braithwaite, LA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and accuracy. Compared to traditional methods, this testing swiftly delivers precise outcomes.

With such efficient results, hair testing offers unparalleled reliability for detecting substance use, ensuring informed decisions based on trusted data.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Braithwaite, LA achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing.

This approach supports drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks while enhancing safety.

Drug Testing Near Braithwaite, LA

Oakville, LA

Gretna, LA

Arabi, LA

Toca, LA

Chalmette, LA

Timberlane, LA

Dalcour, LA

Saint Bernard, LA

Meraux, LA

Violet, LA

Poydras, LA

Belle Chasse, LA

Caernarvon, LA

Saint Clair, LA

English Turn, LA