Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Couchwood, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is regarded as an effective means for identifying substance use, including drugs and alcohol. Hair retains evidence of alcohol and drug usage over time by trapping markers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month record of substance use. It is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to send.

A hair section measuring 1.5 inches and comprising approximately 200 strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken from the scalp yields around 100mg, which is the ideal quantity for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is advised. If no scalp hair is available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively, whereas body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The process of handling a drug test result in the lab includes four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning incorporates the initial input of a sample into the lab's system. This step guarantees the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any remaining data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody setup.

Screening provides a fast initial assessment to detect potential drug abuse. While it is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug misuse in most cases, any positive outcomes must be confirmed to hold up in legal proceedings. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate a second confirmation.

In cases of presumptive positives identified during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This stage involves isolating drugs from hair at much lower concentrations than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most complex methods to execute.

Confirmation of positive screening results is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The full lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is guided by the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair drug tests can reflect drug consumption for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests with shorter detection durations.
• Challenging to manipulate: Cheating on a hair drug test is exceptionally difficult, enhancing result accuracy.
• Provides a usage timeline: It can reveal a pattern of drug use over time, beyond just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: It requires about 5-7 days for drugs to appear in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than alternative testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual growth rates can impact drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the assessment targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in Couchwood, LA

Superior Detection Accuracy
The robust nature of hair follicle testing offers a wider detection window, making it more reliable than urine tests. This accuracy ensures employers and authorities can trust the results.

• Long detection for up to 90 days
• Reduced likelihood of false negatives
• Observed collection minimizes tampering risk

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Couchwood, LA

Hair follicle testing provides an expansive detection period, examining drug use up to 90 days prior. This long-term view offers employers a thorough understanding of an individual's drug history.
Such an extended window of detection ensures that even sporadic drug use does not go unnoticed, allowing organizations to maintain a high standard of safety and compliance within their workforce.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Couchwood, LA

The integrity of hair follicle tests is unmatched, as the process significantly reduces sample tampering. This method yields unquestionable, reliable outcomes.

• Samples are collected under controlled conditions
• Reduces risk of adulteration, bolstering result authenticity
• Confidence in the process assures accuracy

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Couchwood, LA

Accredited Drug Testing boasts a network of nationwide centers, including convenient local options in Couchwood, LA. This commitment to accessibility ensures that individuals and companies can access our services promptly and without hassle.

• Quick and easy access to testing services
• Comprehensive nationwide presence
• Streamlined processes minimize disruption

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Couchwood, LA

Our testing process is straightforward while maintaining confidentiality. From ordering to result acquisition, privacy is prioritized, addressing any concerns regarding ease and discretion.

Our method ensures that all testing procedures remain highly confidential, providing peace of mind for users anxious about privacy or security. Clients can trust that their information is handled with the utmost care at every stage.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Couchwood, LA

Our competitive pricing structures and quick result turnover make hair follicle testing an excellent value, providing cost-effective solutions to businesses of all sizes.

We ensure expedited processing times without compromising quality, making our services highly attractive to organizations looking to balance cost and efficiency. This allows companies to swiftly take action when necessary, with minimal impact on operations.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The rapidity and precision of hair follicle drug testing in Couchwood, LA, stand unparalleled. Compared to traditional methods, this test offers swift, reliable insights into substance use, ensuring high levels of accuracy. This ensures that employers receive dependable data to make informed decisions swiftly.
These tests not only detect a wide range of substances, but they also provide results quickly, making them an invaluable tool for any organization needing fast and reliable drug testing solutions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Couchwood, LA

Employing hair follicle tests ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This not only mitigates legal concerns but also strengthens workplace safety.

• Enhanced adherence to regulatory standards
• Maintains a drug-free workplace environment
• Reduces potential liabilities and associated costs

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