Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Geismar, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as a valuable method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers of the hair strand capture biomarkers, providing an extended record of alcohol and drug use. Hair taken near the scalp offers a detection timeline of up to about three months for substances. Hair is easy to acquire, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, suitable for initial testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those over 10 panels, 150mg is advised. A jeweler's scale is suggested for weighing. If scalp hair is unobtainable, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" denotes scalp hair specifically, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The main components in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step involving sample entry into the lab's system. This verifies proper sealing and shipping, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails a preliminary, swift check for substances of abuse. Though cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples suspected positive in Screening need further confirmation.

In cases of presumed positives during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. Here, substances are extracted from hair at concentrations lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most complex methodologies to conduct.

Positive screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives are washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extensive detection duration: Hair tests can discover drug use spanning up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with shorter detection spans.
• Strong resistance to tampering: Hair tests are notably hard to cheat, ensuring high accuracy of results.
• Reflects drug usage history: It can display a pattern of drug consumption over time, beyond immediate usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: Drugs need about 5-7 days to become identifiable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs than alternative methods.
• Result variations: Factors like hair color and individual growth differences may impact drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the examination actually pertains to the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Geismar, LA, hair follicle testing easily surpasses traditional urine testing, offering enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. The ability to detect drug use over an extended period gives hair tests the upper hand. While urine tests detect recent drug use within days, hair tests enrich the picture with a broader overview, ensuring a robust substance history analysis.

Unlike the fleeting detection window of urine tests, hair testing provides a more comprehensive snapshot, offering employers a better assurance of honesty in employee substance use reporting.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Geismar, LA, delivers an extended detection period, tracing substance use up to 90 days prior. This prolonged window allows companies a thorough view into an employee's or applicant's drug history, giving employers essential insights for informed decision-making.

The extended detection period of hair follicle testing ensures significant substance use patterns are captured, supporting a well-rounded approach to maintaining workplace safety and integrity in Louisiana.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Geismar, LA, recognizes hair follicle testing as a tamper-resistant method, significantly reducing risks of sample tampering. Unlike other test types, hair tests provide reliable results that are difficult to alter, ensuring trustworthy outcomes for all parties involved.

With hair follicle tests, collected samples maintain their integrity through observation, presenting conclusive evidence untainted by interference, offering complete peace of mind in drug testing.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Geismar, LA, benefits from convenient access to our nationwide network of testing centers. Whether in the heart of Geismar or across other locations, these centers facilitate a seamless testing experience, ensuring quick and easy access to drug testing services.

Having local testing centers drastically simplifies the testing process for employers and individuals, guaranteeing a hassle-free service that maintains efficiency in meeting drug testing needs.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Geismar, LA, our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, every step prioritizes ease of use and privacy, addressing the concerns of all who undergo testing.

Our testing procedure respects individual confidentiality, encouraging peace of mind. The simple steps ensure results are delivered without unnecessary complexity, making the process user-friendly for all participants.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Geismar, LA, businesses find our pricing for hair follicle tests both affordable and competitive. Our competitive price points are aligned with fast turnaround times, delivering excellent value for companies of every size.

The combination of reasonable pricing and rapid results offers peace of mind, ensuring that every company, large or small, can utilize our services without straining their budgets unnecessarily.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Geismar, LA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and precision. Boasting excellent accuracy, these tests proficiently detect any substance use, offering outcomes that employers and individuals can trust.

The accuracy of hair follicle testing stems from its ability to capture substance residues over various hair growth cycles. This method ensures a rapid yet thorough analysis, setting a benchmark for reliability in drug testing across Illinois.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Geismar, LA, can utilize hair follicle testing to uphold drug-free workplace policies, significantly minimizing legal complications while boosting workplace safety. This testing method adheres to compliance regulations, offering clarity and assurance to businesses.

With hair follicle testing, employers achieve peace of mind, knowing their safety protocols are supported by comprehensive and accurate drug testing methods, ensuring a safer, compliant work environment.

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