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If the Screening stage indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is withdrawn from the original sample for Extraction.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

What's New In Hair Follicle Drug Testing according to the Hair Drug Testing Experts

With its multidisciplinary nature, hair testing brings together researchers, scientists, and experts from various domains to develop innovative techniques, explore new methodologies, and address emerging concerns, responding to the ever-evolving challenges of drug abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring, and environmental exposures to pollutants.

The joint meeting of the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) and the Italian Group of Forensic Toxicologists (GTFI) was organized in Verona, June 8–10, 2022, and hosted by the Legal Medicine team of the Verona University Hospital, directed by Franco Tagliaro together with Federica Bortolotti and Rossella Gottardo.

It served as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, facilitating groundbreaking advancements in hair testing and analysis. In this special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, we aim to showcase the remarkable manuscripts presented at this significant event, shedding light on the latest research and highlighting the future directions in this field.

Novel Analytical Techniques: The Verona meeting witnessed the unveiling of cutting-edge analytical techniques, offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy for drug testing. Remarkable advancements in sample preparation, detection, and identification of drug compounds have been presented. The manuscripts in this section presented novel approaches, such as multianalyte methods and on-line preparation which can enable rapid analysis and improve thorough forensic investigations.

Biomarkers and Pharmacokinetics: The identification and validation of reliable biomarkers and pharmacokinetic studies are fundamental aspects of drug testing and analysis. The impact of hair treatments on the oxidation/decomposition of drugs in hair was also explored, as the long-term fate of drugs incorporated in the keratin matrix. Furthermore, the SoHT meeting in Verona featured research on the identification and quantification of alcohol abuse biomarkers, their stability, and their correlation with exposure and other biomarkers.

Forensic Applications and Interpretation: One of the vital objectives of hair testing is its application in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. The SoHT meeting in Verona emphasized the significance of rigorous interpretation of analytical results and the need for standardized protocols. Manuscripts in this section present advancements in forensic toxicology, and have explored the challenges posed by emerging designer drugs and strategies to combat their proliferation. The pitfalls encountered when the exogenous/endogenous nature of a substance is questioned were presented and discussed. The special issue presents also manuscripts that delve into the ethical implications of drug testing in drug facilitated sexual assaults.

Clinical Applications of hair testing are witnessed by the insight on environmental tobacco smoke exposure, assessed by hair analysis in a population of students and the study of in utero-exposure to drugs of abuse through neonatal hair analysis. Exposure to drugs was also important in cases of child abuse/neglect, when the clinical purpose of hair testing merge with its forensic applications.

The legal framework surrounding hair testing and the achievement of guidelines to ensure fairness, accuracy, and confidentiality in drug testing practices have also been discussed,and the SoHT consensus on general hair testing and testing for drugs of abuse was presented at the meeting and published as a Letter to the Editor.

In conclusion, the special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, featuring manuscripts from the SoHT–GTFI meeting in Verona 2022, reflects the remarkable advancements achieved in this field. The manuscripts provide valuable insights into novel analytical techniques, biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, forensic applications, and ethical considerations. As we embrace these advancements, we pave the way for a safer, healthier society, where drug testing and analysis serve as powerful tools in protecting public health and maintaining integrity in various sectors. The research presented in this special issue will undoubtedly shape the future of drug testing and analysis, fostering collaboration and inspiring further innovation in this crucial area of scientific inquiry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews