Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Flournoy, LA

What it is, How it works

Testing hair is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures long-term indicators of alcohol and drug use by encasing biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 90-day detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. It is easy to collect, relatively tough to tamper with, and simple to send.

A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hairs (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides 100mg, which is the preferred amount for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is recommended to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not obtainable, the same quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer to only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The process in the lab for handling a drug test result includes four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial phase of integrating a sample into the lab’s system. This phase ensures the sample's seal and correct shipment, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry that an electronic chain of custody system may lack.

Screening is a preliminary quick analysis for substance abuse. Although it is a cost-efficient approach to eliminate most cases of drug use, a positive result from the Screening necessitates confirmation to be permissible in legal settings. Any samples with a presumed positive result in Screening require further confirmation.

If the Screening stage indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is withdrawn from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at a reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is one of the most intricate methodologies.

Positive screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumably positive tests are washed as necessary before Confirmation. The full lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can detect drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection period.
• Resistant to fraud: Cheating a hair drug test is very difficult, ensuring more reliable results.
• Tracks historical usage: It sheds light on a pattern of drug use over a timeframe, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect newly ingested drugs: It takes roughly 5-7 days for substances to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other testing techniques.
• Result disparities: Elements like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the strand of hair and not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Flournoy, LA
Comparing hair follicle testing with urine testing, the hair method stands out for its superior detection accuracy. Hair tests provide an expanded detection timeframe and reduce false negatives. As such, this method is increasingly preferred by employers and legal professionals seeking reliable verification of substance use histories, especially when traditional urine tests fall short.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Flournoy, LA
Hair follicle testing offers a prolonged detection period, capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, making it a potent tool for employers. This extended window surpasses traditional methods, offering a thorough perspective into an individual's drug history, a crucial insight for employers looking to maintain a drug-free workplace environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Flournoy, LA
One significant advantage of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering. The rigorous nature of hair collection and testing diminishes the likelihood of sample adulteration, ensuring results remain credible and unassailable. Thus, hair testing becomes a reliable option for those needing unquestionable accuracy in substance detection.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Flournoy, LA
With numerous testing centers across the nation, including locally in Flournoy, LA, accessing drug testing services becomes a straightforward process. This extensive network ensures individuals and companies receive prompt, convenient testing without unnecessary travel, enhancing the feasibility and accessibility of maintaining a drug-free environment.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Flournoy, LA
Accredited Drug Testing offers a streamlined, private procedure that reassures participants of confidentiality. Ordering, administering, and obtaining results is designed to be user-friendly while respecting privacy concerns. Hence, those involved in testing can proceed through the process comfortably, rooted in the assurance of discretion.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Flournoy, LA
Our competitive pricing combined with rapid result delivery ensures excellent value for companies, large and small. This cost-effectiveness paired with expedited processing times provides organizations the necessary tools to make prompt and informed decisions about their workforce, all while staying budget-conscious.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Flournoy, LA
Hair follicle drug tests are known for their swift and precise detection capabilities. With the ability to definitively identify substance use, results are delivered with high accuracy, providing essential insights. This precision means that those undergoing testing can expect valid results quickly, making it a preferred choice for timely decision-making in various scenarios.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Flournoy, LA
Implementing hair follicle testing allows employers to adhere to drug-free workplace policies confidently. This compliance mitigates legal risks while promoting safety, offering employers peace of mind. By choosing hair testing, businesses contribute to a more secure workplace environment, reducing liabilities associated with substance misuse.

Drug Testing Near Flournoy, LA

Oil City, LA

Palmetto, LA

Sligo, LA

Frierson, LA

Red Chute, LA

Keachi, LA

Keatchie, LA

Caplis, LA

Mooringsport, LA

Eastwood, LA

Brownlee, LA

Bossier City, LA

Forbing, LA

Shreveport, LA

Keithville, LA