Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Gretna, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for spotting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When cut close to the scalp, it offers an approximately 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hairs (equivalent to a #2 pencil's thickness) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the perfect quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If no scalp hair is present, an identical amount of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, we are addressing scalp hair specifically, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (face, underarms, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory process of determining a drug test result includes Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to initiating a sample into a lab's system. This step checks that the sample is properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and enters any additional information not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides a preliminary evaluation for the presence of drugs. While cost-efficient for discarding drug usage in most samples, a positive screen demands confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.

If a sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the initial collection to prepare for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluids), which explains why hair drug testing is the most complex method.

Confirmation of any screening positives is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The full lab 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:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can track drug use for as long as 90 days, in contrast to urine tests which offer a shorter detection span.
• Challenge to falsify: Manipulating a hair drug test is quite challenging, thereby enhancing the accuracy of results.
• Offers historical insight: It illustrates a drug use pattern over time, rather than just recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than other testing methods.
• Result variations: Aspects like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the focus is on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Gretna, LA stands superior over urine tests by offering better detection accuracy and lasting reliability. With a broader detection window, hair tests provide a comprehensive overview of an individual's drug use history compared to traditional urine analysis.

Urine tests can't match the precision and tamper-resistant nature of hair testing. For distinct advantages and reliable outcomes, hair drug testing is the premier choice in modern testing.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Gretna, LA extends the detection window for drug use analysis. With the capability to trace substances for up to 90 days, these tests offer a thorough view of an individual's past drug activity.

This extended period of detection enables employers to make informed decisions based on an applicant's comprehensive drug usage timeline, beyond short-term test limitations like those in urine tests.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Gretna, LA are inherently tamper-resistant, which drastically reduces risks of sample adulteration. This makes the results exceptionally reliable and credible.

The unique properties of hair testing ensure that attempts to alter or manipulate samples are easily detectable, thereby providing consistent and trustworthy evidence of substance use, crucial for maintaining integrity in testing.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Gretna, LA, our network of nationwide testing centers provides convenience and accessibility for hair follicle testing. Quick and hassle-free access to our services ensures testing can be performed with minimal disruption.

These centers offer a seamless testing experience, making it effortless for individuals and employers to manage their testing needs with ease and efficiency, no matter where they are located.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our testing process in Gretna, LA is simple and confidential, ensuring privacy is maintained throughout. The procedure for ordering and obtaining results is straightforward and keeps user information private.

We focus on making the process easy for those needing testing services. From sample collection to receiving results, each step is designed to be user-friendly and respectful of your confidentiality concerns.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Gretna, LA, our hair follicle drug testing offers competitively priced services. We ensure affordable options that provide excellent value for companies of various sizes, alongside fast turnaround times.

Our pricing structure is designed to suit diverse budgets, and quick result delivery helps businesses make efficient decisions. This combination of affordability and efficiency enhances satisfaction and peace of mind.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Gretna, LA, hair follicle drug testing offers fast, precise results. High accuracy makes these tests the preferred choice for detecting recent and past substance use. Quick turnaround times ensure timely decisions for employers.

Hair follicle tests outpace traditional methods in speed and efficiency, delivering reliable results with minimal delay. This rapid precision provides critical insights for drug-free initiatives and compliance.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers looking to maintain compliance with drug-free policies in Gretna, LA, can rely on hair follicle tests. These tests offer peace of mind by ensuring adherence to workplace regulations, thereby minimizing legal risks.

The use of hair testing complements workplace safety protocols, showing commitment to a drug-free environment and supporting a culture of trust and liability prevention.

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