Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Hudson, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying both drug and alcohol use, as it provides a long-term record by capturing biomarkers within the developing hair strand. If gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to about three months for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient for transport.

A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for testing and validation. For EtG, extensions, and/or tests above 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It is advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair indicate only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types such as facial and axillary hair.

Process Overview

The laboratory handling of a drug test result involves four crucial stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the preliminarily incorporating of a sample into a lab's database. This process entails ensuring the correct sealing and dispatch of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input absent from an electronic chain of custody protocol.

Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for abuse substances. While it is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use in most samples, to be legally valid, a positive screen must be corroborated. Samples tentatively positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.

For samples tentatively positive at the Screening stage, further hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are removed from hair in much finer concentrations than other methods such as urine or saliva, highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.

Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Any tentatively positive samples are washed before Confirmation, if necessary. The entirety of the laboratory workflow from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair categorization and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 principles.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug testing can identify drug utilization for as long as 90 days, whereas urine testing offers a shorter detection duration.
• Difficulty to cheat: Cheating on a hair drug test is highly challenging, ensuring more precise results.
• Provides historical data: It can demonstrate a pattern of drug usage over a timeframe, beyond just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: There is a period of approximately 5-7 days before drugs can be identified in hair.
• Cost: Hair drug testing typically incurs greater costs compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Variations in results: Elements like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the method actually analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle underneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Hudson, LA, hair follicle testing proves superior to traditional urine tests by offering unmatched detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests extensively cover substance usage, offering a wider detection window and minimizing the chance of manipulation. This makes them ideal for strict screening requirements and peace of mind when ensuring a drug-free environment.

Extended Detection Window

Hudson, LA, benefits from hair follicle testing due to its ability to detect drug use over a significantly extended period—up to 90 days. This long detection window grants employers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history, setting it apart from tests with shorter detection spans.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The hair follicle test conducted in Hudson, LA, offers a robust defense against tampering, considerably lowering the likelihood of sample manipulation. Its tamper-resistant nature delivers unquestionable results, making it a dependable choice for drug screening needs.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Hudson, LA, enjoys the advantage of nationwide testing locations, ensuring testing is convenient and accessible. Our widespread and local presence facilitates quick and hassle-free appointment scheduling, making hair follicle testing straightforward and easily reachable.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our hair follicle testing in Hudson, LA, ensures a straightforward and confidential process. From ordering to sample collection and results delivery, the entire procedure is designed to protect your privacy while simplifying the testing experience, making it convenient for all concerned.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Hudson, LA, benefits from competitive pricing and swift turnaround times for hair follicle tests. These affordable rates provide great value, while prompt results reassure businesses of all sizes, ensuring they can efficiently implement and maintain testing protocols.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Hudson, LA, are renowned for their rapid and precise results. They boast exceptional accuracy in identifying drug use, proving invaluable for both employers and individuals requiring assured screening outcomes. The quick turnaround time and reliability of the hair follicle method make it a preferred option for those demanding high-quality results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Hudson, LA, gain reassurance and compliance advantages by opting for hair follicle drug tests. These tests align with drug-free workplace policies, mitigate legal risks, and augment overall workplace safety, providing peace of mind for employers committed to maintaining a substance-free environment.

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