Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Forest, LA

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Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG

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Accredited Drug Testing provides all-encompassing hair follicle drug examinations in Forest, Louisiana. Whether you require a hair drug or alcohol screening, Accredited Drug Testing excels in hair testing and offers facilities across all cities nationwide capable of executing a hair analysis. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of crown hair or body hair can be used. Hair analyses can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be customized for other testing needs.

Recently, drug screening methods increasingly incorporate hair follicle analysis. Numerous employers, judicial systems, and Substance Abuse professionals prefer a hair drug screening over a conventional urine test. Hair follicle screenings are favored by employers with strict anti-drug policies, judicial bodies, and probation-supervised individuals. The significant advantage of hair analysis is its extended drug detection timeframe of up to 90 days, collected in a supervised procedure, making it notably difficult to manipulate. However, for identifying drug use within the past 5 days, urine tests remain most precise.

What it is, How it works

Through hair testing, one can efficiently detect drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within its fibers during growth. Hair collected near the scalp can offer a detection period stretching roughly up to three months for both alcohol and other drugs. The method of hair collection is straightforward, proves somewhat resistant to tampering, and can be transported with ease.

A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches and comprising approximately 200 strands (akin to the circumference of a #2 pencil) taken as close as possible to the scalp, yields around 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For tests involving EtG add-ons or those extending beyond 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for exact measurement. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair might be utilized. When we mention head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other varieties (like facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory drug test process encompasses four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning constitutes the primary step of integrating a sample into the laboratory's framework. It entails verifying that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any necessary data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody system.

Screening acts as a preliminary rapid assessment for detecting drug abuse. Although Screening serves as a cost-efficient means to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result mandates confirmation for judicial approval. Samples that are initially positive in Screening demand subsequent confirmation.

When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. During Extraction, drugs are withdrawn from hair at considerably reduced concentrations compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening stands as the most challenging methodology.

Positive screening outcomes are validated through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS procedures. All samples testing presumptively positive undergo cleaning before confirmation, as needed. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

  • Long detection window: Hair drug tests can recognize substance use extending up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests with shorter detection periods.
  • Difficulty to cheat: Cheating a hair drug test proves exceedingly challenging, thus enhancing result accuracy.
  • Provides historical data: It illustrates a pattern of substance usage over time, beyond just immediate use.

Limitations:

  • Cannot detect recent use: Detectability in hair necessitates approximately 5-7 days post-drug use.
  • Cost: Typically, hair drug tests are pricier than alternative testing strategies.
  • Variations in results: Influences such as hair color and personal disparities in hair growth can modify drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the examination actually encompasses the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle testing to conventional urine tests in Forest, LA, the former emerges as a superior option due to its enhanced detection accuracy and dependability. Hair tests are not only proficient in detecting a wider range of substances but also offer a longer window of detection. This makes them a favorable choice for situations requiring thorough and precise substance evaluation.

Extended Detection Window

In Forest, LA, one distinct advantage of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, up to 90 days. This capability provides employers with a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history, far surpassing the brief detection periods typical of urine tests. Such insights are vital for informed employment decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Forest, LA, significantly mitigates tampering risks, thereby ensuring reliable and incontestable outcomes. Unlike other methods, hair tests are less susceptible to sample adulteration, providing a degree of assurance essential for maintaining the integrity of test results. This reliability makes it a trusted method among employers and testing authorities.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With numerous nationwide testing centers and accessible local facilities in Forest, LA, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that obtaining a hair follicle test is both quick and convenient. The widespread availability of our centers simplifies the testing process, eliminating unnecessary hassles and facilitating seamless access for all clients.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Forest, LA, the process of hair follicle testing remains straightforward and private, from initial order to result retrieval. This confidential approach reassures individuals about their privacy while maintaining ease of use. Our services are designed to ensure a smooth experience, addressing any privacy concerns head-on.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing in Forest, LA, offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, ensuring excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Our commitment to affordability does not compromise on the quality or speed of results, providing companies with cost-effective and efficient testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Forest, LA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their rapid and dependable results, offering remarkable precision in substance detection. This modern testing technique ensures that individuals and employers can trust the accuracy of the results. Turnaround times are swift, making it a preferable choice for those seeking timely and reliable outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Forest, LA, seeking to uphold drug-free workplace policies find hair follicle testing an effective compliance tool. This method reduces legal concerns and enhances workplace safety, offering peace of mind. Utilizing such tests demonstrates a commitment to a secure and responsible work environment.

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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.


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Frequently Asked Questions

A hair follicle drug test analyzes a small sample of hair to detect a history of drug use over time. Because drug metabolites are incorporated into hair as it grows, this method can show patterns of use instead of just recent exposure. It is frequently used for legal and court requirements, long-term monitoring, and high-trust workforce screening.
Standard hair drug testing typically reflects drug use over approximately a 90-day period, based on the length of hair collected at the time of testing. Longer hair can sometimes reflect a longer time frame, and extremely short hair can reduce that window.
Hair drug testing commonly screens for marijuana/THC, cocaine, opiates/opioids, amphetamines/methamphetamines, and PCP. In many cases, additional expanded panels may be requested to include other substances.
Yes. If the donor's head hair is too short or unavailable, body hair may be collected as an alternative. The collector will document the source of the sample. This allows testing even for individuals with recently cut or shaved head hair.
Yes. Hair drug testing is commonly used in court, probation, custody, and compliance matters because the collection process follows a documented chain of custody and the analysis is performed by a certified laboratory. Results are provided in a form that can be reviewed by legal and administrative authorities.
Yes. Individuals, parents, attorneys, employers, and probation programs can all request hair drug testing. A doctor's order is not required. Results are confidential and released only to the authorized requesting party.
Hair testing provides a longer look-back period than urine testing, making it useful when you need to demonstrate ongoing abstinence or identify repeated/recent substance use patterns over time rather than just recent exposure. It is frequently selected for legal, compliance, and custody-related documentation.
A small section of hair is cut by a trained collector in a discreet, controlled manner. The sample is sealed, documented, and sent to the laboratory under established chain-of-custody procedures so that the results can be defended if they are ever challenged.

Customer Reviews

Thank You!!

I needed a quick drug test for visitation with my children. I called at 6am they answered and set me up with a place a couple miles from my house to go get the test done, that was on Wednesday, I had the results on Friday afternoon and was able to see my kids on Saturday. Thank you for the help!

Mark Broadhead - 2/12/2025

Very Fun and Easy

Trish last week and Tatiana this week, very fun and easy folks to deal with. Well be using them more and more in the future.

Tom O - 12/19/2024

Very professional and very quick

Very professional and very quick service to schedule appointments! I am pleased with the services and would definitely recommend using them for any drug testing needs!

Carrie Feerick - 4/19/2025


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