Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Jackson, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting the use of drugs and alcohol. The hair captures long-term indicators of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within its growing strands. Clipped close to the scalp, it can provide a timeline of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drug use detection. Collection of hair is uncomplicated, not easily tampered with, and straightforward to transport.

A proper sample consists of a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hairs (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yielding 100mg, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg are advised. It's best to use a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. Should scalp hair be insufficient, collecting an equivalent quantity of body hair is permissible. The term head hair is specific to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses other types (like facial or axillary hair).

Process Overview

There are four pivotal steps in the laboratory's drug test processing: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails initially logging a sample into the lab's database. This step includes confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, allocating a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and entering any supplemental data not handled by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening provides a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Though cost-efficient for eliminating drug use in many samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be valid legally. Samples flagged as potentially positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

For any sample flagged as potentially positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is obtained from the original sample for the Extraction process. Here, drug compounds are retrieved from hair in significantly lower concentration levels than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening one of the more challenging methods to carry out accurately.

Positive results from the Screening stage go through Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation follows both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests can reveal drug use up to 90 days back, as opposed to urine tests which cover a shorter duration.
• Challenging to falsify: The likelihood of cheating a hair drug test is slim, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Tracks usage patterns: It offers insight into drug usage trends over extended durations, not just recent activity.

Drawbacks:

• Cannot detect recent usage: It's roughly 5-7 days before drugs can be identified in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than other testing techniques.
• Result inconsistencies: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests," these tests inspect the hair strand, not the sub-scalp follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Residents of Jackson, LA, have found that hair follicle testing outperforms urine tests for drug detection.

The extended detection window of hair testing, up to 90 days, offers a clear advantage in identifying substance use over time.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle tests in Jackson, LA offer a prolonged detection period of up to 90 days, capturing a comprehensive look at a person's substance history.

This generous detection window gives employers more data to make informed hiring and employment decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Jackson, LA, provides a tamper-resistant method, minimizing the risk of sample manipulation.

The observed collection process and inherent characteristics of hair testing ensure trustworthy results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Jackson, LA, our network of localized and nationwide testing centers ensures convenient and hassle-free access for all clients.

The strategic positioning of our facilities allows for quick service accessibility nationwide.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Jackson, LA is easy and confidential.

From ordering to receiving results, steps are designed with privacy and usage simplicity in mind.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Jackson, LA clients benefit from competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in hair follicle testing services.

Our cost-effective solutions offer excellent value, suitable for businesses of varying sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Jackson, LA, hair follicle drug tests provide precise and swift outcomes, highlighting their superior detection capabilities.

The accuracy in identifying substance use with hair testing often surpasses that of conventional methods, offering employers peace of mind.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Utilizing hair follicle testing in Jackson, LA helps ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies.

This method significantly reduces legality risks and enhances workplace safety while providing peace of mind for employers.

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