Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Carencro, LA

What it is, How it works

Utilizing hair tests has increasingly been acknowledged as an effective method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a lengthy record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair shaft as it grows. If taken near the scalp, it can reveal substance use spanning up to around a 3-month timeframe for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to gather, fairly resistant to tampering, and can be transported without hassle.

A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or examinations beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair only. All other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.) are classified as body hair.

Process Overview

There are four primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the introductory processing of a sample into a lab's system. This step includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any additional data entry that is not provided by a digital chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial rapid examination for drug misuse. Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out substance use in most samples; however, to be legally acceptable, a positive result must be validated. Samples that show presumptive positives in Screening need further confirmation.

If a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the starting sample and readied for Extraction. During this stage, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is implemented through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleaned before confirmation as required. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug usage for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection timeframe.
• Hard to manipulate: It is notably hard to manipulate the results of a hair drug test, enhancing result reliability.
• Reflects historical usage: It shows a pattern of drug consumption over time, not just recent use.

Limitations:

• Unable to identify recent usage: Drugs take about 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Aspects like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing outshines urine testing in Carencro, LA for several reasons. First, hair tests provide a broader detection window, allowing for a history check of up to 90 days. This makes it highly reliable for employers enforcing strict substance policies. Next, hair tests are harder to tamper with, assuring credible results. Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior accuracy and security, making it the preferred choice.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing is favored in Carencro, LA due to its extended detection window, covering up to 90 days of an individual's substance use. This lengthy detection period gives employers a thorough overview of an individual's drug use history, crucial for making informed decisions about hiring and retaining employees. With the ability to detect well beyond the limits of urine tests, hair testing is invaluable for long-term substance abuse monitoring.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Carencro, LA significantly reduces the chances of tampering, offering secure and reliable results. The method involves a straightforward collection process that yields samples resistant to substitution or contamination. Compared to urine testing, hair tests provide results that are nearly impossible to falsify, ensuring that employers receive trustworthy data free from manipulation, which is essential for maintaining workplace integrity.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Carencro, LA, and nationwide, our testing centers offer convenience and accessibility. The wide availability ensures that testing needs are addressed quickly and efficiently, without the hassle. Whether locally or across the country, our centers provide straightforward access to reliable drug testing services. This expansive network guarantees that individuals and organizations can receive necessary screenings comfortably and without delay.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Carencro, LA, the process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. Ordering and taking the test, plus receiving the results, is straightforward, reducing stress and protecting privacy. This user-friendly approach ensures that concerns over confidentiality are addressed, making the testing process smooth and accessible to everyone in need of drug screening solutions.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Carencro, LA, our hair follicle testing services offer both affordability and rapid results. With competitive pricing structures, businesses of varying sizes can access high-quality testing without financial strain. Our quick turnaround time ensures that results are delivered promptly, providing excellent value while maintaining confidence and peace of mind for companies seeking reliable drug testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Carencro, LA, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its fast and precise results. The accuracy is unparalleled, ensuring that even the smallest traces of substance use are detected. This method provides timely outcomes without compromising reliability. Employers and individuals seeking prompt and exact assessments can rely on hair testing to offer the necessary peace of mind with its state-of-the-art detection technology.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Carencro, LA, hair follicle testing provides compliance and confidence, aligning with drug-free workplace policies. The method mitigates legal risks and boosts workplace safety by promoting a drug-free environment. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are conforming to critical standards while fostering a secure workspace. This reliable testing supports businesses in maintaining effective guidelines and operational excellence.

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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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