Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle testing services in Colfax, Louisiana. If you're seeking hair-based drug or alcohol tests, Accredited Drug Testing excels in this area, with centers throughout various cities nationwide capable of conducting hair analyses. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head is needed, or body hair can be used. Hair samples can be checked for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or tailored testing options.
Lately, hair follicle drug testing is increasingly favored for substance testing. Many employers, courts, and Substance Abuse specialists now opt for hair drug tests over traditional urine tests. These tests support zero-tolerance policies, judicial use, and probation monitoring. The key advantage of hair follicle testing is its longer detection period for recent drug use, typically up to 90 days, collected under observation, making it tamper-resistant. However, urine tests are still preferred for detecting drug use in the last 5 days.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair testing is increasingly regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can offer a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers in the strands of the developing hair. A sample taken near the scalp can provide a detection duration of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug test processing involves four key actions: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning commences with processing a sample into a lab's system, including verifying the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not automated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be corroborated to be valid for legal proceedings. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening require secondary validation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the sample for Extraction. During this step, drugs are retrieved from hair at a greatly reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often dubbed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Colfax, LA
Switching to hair follicle tests over urine tests offers a more accurate portrayal of an individual's drug history. Recognized for superior reliability, hair testing minimizes risk of false negatives or positives, providing employers with the clarity they need.
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing presents a longer detection timeframe, offering a clearer picture of long-term substance use patterns while reducing the chance of deception commonly attempted with urine samples.
Extended Detection Window in Colfax, LA
Hair follicle testing's longer detection window, up to 90 days, provides a thorough look into substance usage patterns. This long-span detection keeps employers informed about employee behavior over time, reinforcing well-informed personnel strategies.
The extended detection period ensures employers get a full understanding of an applicant or employee's substance use history, substantially supporting decision-making processes about hiring and continuous employment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Colfax, LA
One of the most notable advantages of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering. Compared to urine tests, hair samples are harder to adulterate, ensuring test integrity and credibility for employers needing reliable results.
The challenge of cheating this method protects businesses from inaccurate readings, allowing for secure evaluations of an employee's substance use, maintaining the integrity of the workplace testing program.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Colfax, LA
With testing centers conveniently located across the nation, as well as local options in Colfax, LA, accessing hair follicle tests is seamless and efficient. Our facility network ensures timely appointments without extensive travel.
This extensive location accessibility ensures that individuals can undertake testing with ease, supporting both employer needs and personal requirements with minimal disruption or inconvenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Colfax, LA
Our hair follicle testing process prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality from start to finish. From ordering tests to obtaining results, our procedures emphasize privacy, addressing any concerns about data security.
This easy-to-navigate process ensures that individuals and employers can confidently undertake tests knowing their information remains protected, ensuring peace of mind at every stage.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Colfax, LA
Accredited Drug Testing provides competitive pricing structures without compromising on the quality of service. Quick turnaround times are paired with economical options, ensuring businesses of all sizes gain reliable results affordably.
Our commitment to providing value means clients enjoy affordable testing solutions that deliver precise and accurate readings promptly, enhancing operational peace of mind.
Fast and Accurate Results in Colfax, LA
Hair follicle drug testing offers prompt and precise results, especially ideal for critical situations. This testing method quickly identifies substance use, making it reliable for employers who need quick turnarounds without sacrificing accuracy.
Employers in Colfax can trust hair testing for high accuracy, ensuring clear outcomes for confident decision-making. This method's precision allows for effective substance control management and reinforces safe environments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Colfax, LA
Hair follicle testing helps employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies, reducing the risk of legal issues. This testing method enhances workplace safety, providing reassurance that employees adhere to bylaws and maintaining a secure environment.
Employers can rely on the accuracy and comprehensive nature of hair testing to maintain compliance with regulations and uphold their organizations' standards, ensuring peace of mind.
