Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Hammond, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an impressive means for revealing drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged narrative of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within its growing strands. When attained near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window for alcohol and drugs extending up to roughly 3 months. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and uncomplicated to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands, roughly comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness, close to the scalp, yields 100mg, which is the prime sample quantity for screening and validation. For EtG, additional assessments, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to use 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. The term head hair specifically indicates scalp hair alone, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

The sequence for lab processing a drug test outcome encompasses Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the primary processing of a sample into the lab system. This stage includes confirming that the sample is sealed and dispatched suitably, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any supplementary data entry absent from an automated chain of custody framework.

Screening constitutes an initial rapid inspection for drugs of abuse. While Screening presents an economical solution to identify the absence of drug usage in most samples, a positive screening must undergo confirmation to hold validity in court. Samples with positive indications in Screening demand a subsequent confirmation.

Should a sample be positively indicated in the Screening phase, further hair is drawn from the primary specimen for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a substantially diminished concentration compared to other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening the most complex methodology.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Any samples initially indicated as positive undergo a cleansing process prior to confirmation as required. The whole lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 benchmarks.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeframe: Hair drug tests can identify drug consumption for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a briefer detection timeframe.
• Challenging to falsify: The complexity of tampering with a hair drug test enhances result accuracy.
• Offers chronological data: It presents a drug usage pattern over a period, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of spotting recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair within approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs than alternative drug testing strategies.
• Result variances: Elements such as hair color and individual growth differences can affect the level of drug byproducts in hair.

Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not on the scalp-rooted hair follicle

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Hammond, LA, the advantages of hair follicle testing over urine drug tests are clear. Unlike urine tests that only detect recent drug use, hair tests can identify substance history over a longer period, offering a wider detection window. This makes them incredibly reliable, providing a comprehensive view of an individual’s drug use. Employers particularly benefit from this method's superior accuracy and minimal risk of tampering, ensuring more dependable results.

Extended Detection Window

In Hammond, LA, hair follicle testing provides an extensive detection period that surpasses traditional methods. With the ability to trace drug use for up to 90 days, employers gain a thorough understanding of an employee's or applicant's substance history. This extended window is invaluable, offering insights into long-term patterns rather than just recent usage, making hair testing an effective tool for comprehensive evaluations.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

When it comes to reliability in Hammond, LA, hair follicle drug tests are second to none. These tests are inherently resistant to tampering or adulteration, ensuring that the results are trustworthy and credible. By minimizing the risk of sample manipulation, hair testing provides confidence to employers and individuals alike, making it a preferred method for obtaining unquestionable results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Hammond, LA, Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide presence ensures convenience and accessibility. Our numerous testing centers, both locally and across the country, offer hassle-free drug testing services. This wide network allows individuals and employers to access efficient and professional services close to home, ensuring minimal disruption to daily schedules and maximizing efficiency.

Simple, Confidential Process

For those in Hammond, LA, hair follicle testing offers a straightforward and private process. From ordering to obtaining results, the entire procedure is designed with confidentiality in mind, addressing any privacy concerns clients may have. The simple nature of this testing method ensures ease of use, making it a user-friendly option for everyone needing reliable drug testing services.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Hammond, LA benefits from competitive pricing and swift turnaround times when it comes to hair follicle drug testing. Our services are structured to provide excellent value without compromising on quality, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can access accurate testing. The combination of affordability and speed offers peace of mind to employers and individuals seeking reliable results.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

For residents of Hammond, LA, hair follicle drug tests offer a blend of speed and accuracy. Their ability to detect substance use is unparalleled, ensuring employers and individuals alike receive precise results. Quick turnaround times make hair testing efficient and convenient, mitigating any lengthy waiting periods for results. Whether for employment or personal reasons, this method stands out for its rapid and reliable outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Hammond, LA find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, as it assists in upholding workplace compliance with drug-free policies. Its implementation reduces potential legal risks and contributes to a safer working environment. By adopting this method, businesses not only ensure adherence to regulations but also foster a culture of responsibility and safety among their workforce.

Drug Testing Near Hammond, LA

Amite, LA

Amite City, LA

Gullett, LA

Manchac, LA

Husser, LA

Springville, LA

Tickfaw, LA

Killian, LA

Loranger, LA

Robert, LA

Ponchatoula, LA

Natalbany, LA

Tangipahoa, LA