Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Downsville, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When taken near the scalp, it offers a detection timeframe of up to around three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for shipping.

A 1.5-inch sample comprising approximately 200 hair strands (similar to the width of a #2 pencil) from close to the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is recommended. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the specimen. Where scalp hair is not available, equivalent body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, this refers solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the preliminary integration of a sample into a lab's system. This involves confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any extra data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of misuse. While it is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screening outcome requires confirmation to be admissible in a legal setting. Any samples that appear positive during Screening need additional confirmation.

If a sample appears positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial specimen for Extraction preparation. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.

Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and concurrently accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can reveal drug use for as long as 90 days, compared to the shorter window for urine tests.
• High resistance to tampering: Altering the results of a hair drug test is exceedingly difficult, enhancing its accuracy.
• Historic usage pattern: It can illustrate drug use trends over time, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Not suitable for recent use detection: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests usually incur higher costs compared to other drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Aspects like hair color and individual hair growth differences can impact the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: The test is commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", though it examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Downsville, LA, hair follicle tests provide superior detection accuracy over urine tests. Unlike urine tests, which have a limited detection window, hair tests offer more reliable insights into long-term substance use. Employers benefit greatly by choosing hair testing for better precision in maintaining workplace safety and compliance.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window
The ability of hair follicle testing to detect drug use over extended periods, up to 90 days, is a major advantage in Downsville, LA. It provides employers with a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history, allowing for informed decision-making in recruitment and management processes.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Downsville, LA benefits from the secure nature of hair follicle tests, which substantially reduces the potential for sample tampering. This ensures that results are not only reliable but also unquestionable, giving employers confidence in the integrity of the testing process and outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including Downsville, LA, offers unparalleled convenience. With easy access to our services, your testing needs can be addressed without hassle, saving both time and effort while guaranteeing professional service.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process
Conducting a hair follicle test in Downsville, LA ensures a straightforward and private experience. From ordering the test to receiving your results, the process is designed to be hassle-free while addressing privacy concerns head-on, ensuring user comfort and trust.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Downsville, LA, our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times offer excellent value. Whether you're a small business or a larger enterprise, you can benefit from our efficient services, making budgeting and planning hassle-free while maintaining high-quality testing standards.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Downsville, LA, our hair follicle drug tests are synonymous with precision and speed. These tests provide outstanding accuracy in detecting substances, ensuring you receive reliable results swiftly. Companies seeking dependable testing solutions can trust in the effectiveness of hair analysis to deliver consistent outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Downsville, LA can achieve compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. It mitigates legal risks and bolsters safety, providing peace of mind. This testing method supports a secure environment, aligning with corporate standards and regulatory requirements.

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