Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Carlisle, LA

What it is, How it works

The application of hair testing has increasingly been recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can chronicle long-term alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When samples are taken near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage over roughly a 3-month period. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.

A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches in length consisting of around 200 strands (approximately matching the thickness of a #2 pencil) collected closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal weight for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for accurate weighing. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial hair, axillary hair, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory drug test processing includes four critical stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning requires the preliminary input of a test sample into a laboratory system. This stage ensures that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary evaluation to check for drugs of misusage. Although Screening offers a financially-efficient strategy to dismiss drug use in most samples, any positive result from the screen needs verification before it is court-admissible. Samples with presumptive positive results from Screening necessitate further confirmation.

Upon a presumptive positive outcome in the Screening phase, additional hair is sourced from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this procedure, drug levels are drawn from hair in much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing the most challenging methodology.

Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Samples identified as presumptively positive undergo a wash before confirmation where needed. The entire lab processing workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is governed by the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and aligns with ISO / IEC 17025 standard requirements.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests permit drug detection over a span of up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests with shorter detection periods.
• Resistance to manipulation: The difficulty of manipulating a hair drug test enhances the precision of results.
• Gives historical context: It offers an insight into drug usage trends across a duration, not confined to recent use only.

Limitations:

• Inability to catch recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Variations like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Despite common references to "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Carlisle, LA
Hair tests offer a more comprehensive and accurate detection of substance use compared to traditional urine tests.

• Superior detection capability over an extended period.
• Reduced risk of sample tampering and cheating.

The reliability of hair follicle testing makes it an advantageous choice for clients in Carlisle.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Carlisle, LA
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days, offering a full picture of an individual’s substance history.

• Employers gain a better understanding of applicants and employees.
• Provides a detailed history of substance use for compliance.

This long-term view helps maintain a safe, drug-free workplace environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Carlisle, LA
Hair follicle tests dramatically reduce the chance of adulteration, providing definitive results.

• Samples are less likely to be tampered with compared to traditional methods.
• Ensures trustworthy outcomes that can be confidently relied upon.

This integrity ensures that organizations can operate with peace of mind knowing results are genuine and accurate.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Carlisle, LA
Our widespread testing centers provide convenient access to necessary services.

• Locations across the country facilitate easy scheduling.
• Our Carlisle, LA center offers local accessibility.

Convenience is exemplified by quick setups and efficient testing procedures at Accredited Drug Testing.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Carlisle, LA
The process of ordering, undertaking, and receiving test results is streamlined for privacy and ease.

• Simple steps ensure easy ordering and immediate testing.
• Confidential handling secures personal information.

With Accredited Drug Testing, clients in Carlisle can trust their privacy is valued and protected throughout the process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Carlisle, LA
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive prices coupled with quick turnaround.

• Cost-effective solutions cater to companies of all sizes.
• Rapid results afford necessary insights without delay.

Ensuring affordability while delivering high-quality testing is a benefit Accredited Drug Testing brings to its Carlisle clients.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Carlisle, LA
Hair follicle drug tests deliver speedy and reliable results with remarkable precision in detecting substances.

• High accuracy helps ensure key decisions are based on reliable data.
• Quick turnaround times mean you won't be left waiting for critical results.

Through the efficiency and accuracy of hair follicle testing, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that clients in Carlisle, LA, receive dependable outcomes swiftly.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Carlisle, LA
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to workplace drug policies, lowering legal risks and improving safety.

• Aids in enforcing zero-tolerance policies effectively.
• Provides legal assurance and fosters a secure work environment.

Employers benefit from knowing their workforce complies with regulations.

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