Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Chatham, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug markers by securing them within the strands. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period extending up to roughly three months for both alcohol and substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.

A segment measuring 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weight of 150mg is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is advised. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair is collectable. "Head hair" denotes solely scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary).

Process Overview

The laboratory stages for assessing a drug test sample encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the initial stage of processing a sample within a laboratory’s system. This involves ensuring the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, attributing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any supplementary data missing from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an opening rapid examination for abusive substances. While Screening offers a cost-efficient path to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation to be permissible in court. Samples indicated as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.

For samples flagged presumptively positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for preparation in Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from hair at far lower concentrations than alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening notably complex to execute.

Positive screening results are confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The full laboratory cycle from Accessioning to Confirmation is supervised under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests reveal drug use for periods up to 90 days, opposed to shorter periods seen in urine tests.
• Hard to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is notably difficult, leading to more reliable outcomes.
• Offers historical insights: It reveals patterns over time of drug use, beyond mere recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Non-detection of recent intake: Detecting drugs in hair takes roughly 5-7 days post-use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur greater costs than alternative methods.
• Variability in findings: Variables like hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Terms like "hair follicle tests" commonly used are technically misnomers, as the process evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

For those in Chatham, LA, hair follicle tests are superior to traditional urine screenings, offering unmatched detection accuracy. Their ability to identify drug use over a longer period ensures reliable results for employers, courts, and individuals.

Compared to urine tests, hair follicle screenings are less susceptible to tampering, thus delivering trustworthy outcomes. This method offers a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history.

Extended Detection Window

In Chatham, LA, hair follicle testing provides a much longer detection period—up to 90 days—compared to traditional methods. This extended window grants employers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history.

Employers benefit from the comprehensive overviews provided by hair tests, enabling them to assess past behavior accurately and make informed decisions regarding hiring and retention.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Chatham, LA, significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable, unquestionable results. This tamper-resistant method offers peace of mind and integrity in drug screening.

By minimizing the possibility of manipulation, hair tests provide a more secure alternative to urine tests, ensuring that findings are both accurate and credible.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Offering convenience in Chatham, LA, testing centers across the nation ensure hassle-free access to drug testing services. With numerous locations, getting tested is quick and straightforward.

Our expansive network of centers simplifies scheduling and taking tests, making it easier for individuals to comply with mandatory screening requirements seamlessly.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Chatham, LA, the process for hair follicle testing is simple and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease from ordering to receiving results. This user-friendly approach addresses common concerns regarding discretion.

Clients benefit from streamlined procedures that respect confidentiality, making the testing experience both stress-free and efficient.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Chatham, LA, enjoys competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle testing, offering excellent value. This combination ensures that companies can maintain fiscal responsibility while accessing top-notch services.

The affordability paired with prompt results positions hair tests as an attractive option for businesses of all sizes seeking reliable screening solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle testing in Chatham, LA, is recognized for delivering fast and precise results, offering high accuracy in detecting drug use. This method ensures reliable outcomes, helping organizations make informed decisions.

With expedited processing times, hair tests provide swift feedback while maintaining accuracy. This balance of speed and reliability positions hair testing as a top choice for timely drug detection efforts.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Chatham, LA, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, as it ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This reliable method reduces legal risks and promotes a safer work environment.

Through dependable detection capabilities, hair testing contributes to enhanced workplace safety, safeguarding the interests of both employer and employee.

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