Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Forked Island, LA

What it is, How it works

Utilizing hair tests is highly regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged historical record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strands. If gathered near the scalp, it can reflect a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, comparatively challenging to tamper with, and easily transportable.

A 1.5-inch section composed of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) taken from near the scalp produces around 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and validation. For EtG, additional screenings, and/or tests exceeding ten panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't an option, an equal quantity of body hair may be used. By head hair, we mean specifically scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, underarm, etc.).

Process Overview

The chief stages in lab processing of a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the first stage, integrating the sample into the lab’s system. This phase entails confirming that the sample was adequately sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any further data not captured by an electronic chain of custody process.

Screening is a preliminary drug abuse check. While it serves as a cost-saving stride to disqualify drug use for most specimens, a verified screen is necessary for legal proceedings. Any samples that appear positive presumptively in Screening need additional confirmation.

If a sample shows presumptive positivity in Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and undergoes preparation for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are derived from hair at a lower concentration than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug testing a challenging method to execute.

Confirmed screening positives are authenticated through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminary positive samples undergo washing before necessary confirmation. The laboratory process ranging from Accessioning to Confirmation is subjected to scrutiny by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection period: Hair drug screenings can identify drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine screenings which provide a shorter detection span.
• Cheat-resistant: Cheating a hair drug test poses significant difficulty, contributing to more reliable outcomes.
• Historic insight: It provides a usage trend over several months, not merely the most recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Recent usage undetectable: It generally takes 5-7 days for detection of drugs in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug screenings typically incur higher costs compared to other testing approaches.
• Result variability: Factors like hair tone and individual differences in hair growth impact metabolite concentration levels in hair samples.

Note: Although frequently described as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing stands out in Forked Island, LA, for its efficacy in drug detection compared to traditional urine tests. The key advantage lies in its superior detection scope and reliability, offering a more expanded retrospective view into drug use habits. With hair testing, false negatives are less likely, providing a more dependable alternative to urine tests that may be influenced by manipulation or timing of use.

Extended Detection Window

In Forked Island, LA, hair follicle drug testing is favored due to its extended detection window, capable of identifying substance use within a 90-day period. This timespan offers employers a broader and more comprehensive profile of an individual's substance history, crucial for making informed employment or other critical decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests are valued in Forked Island, LA, for their robust tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other drug testing methods, hair samples are difficult to adulterate, ensuring the authenticity and reliability of the results. This feature significantly reduces the chances of compromise, providing a trustworthy foundation for making consequential decisions.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Forked Island, LA, benefits from our widespread network of testing centers, offering a seamless experience for drug testing. With convenient nationwide and local locations, accessing our services becomes straightforward and hassle-free, ensuring that clients receive prompt and effective testing without lengthy delays or complications.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Forked Island, LA, is simple and confidential, catering to privacy and ease-of-use concerns. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to be straightforward, ensuring individuals can undertake the process with confidence and minimal inconvenience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing in Forked Island, LA, prides itself on offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times. Our affordable services ensure all companies, regardless of size, receive tremendous value and peace of mind, with prompt delivery of results necessary to maintain an effective and efficient workplace strategy.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Forked Island, LA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and quick results. They deliver highly accurate assessments of substance use, ensuring that employers and other entities gather reliable data about potential candidates or employees. This method stands out due to its capability to promptly provide results that reflect true and consistent findings.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Forked Island, LA, can achieve compliance and peace of mind by implementing hair follicle testing. This method aligns well with drug-free workplace policies, minimizes legal vulnerabilities, and promotes a safer work environment. With assured compliance, organizations can focus on productivity and safety.

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