Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Lafayette, Louisiana. If a hair drug or alcohol test is needed, our expertise in hair testing is available with testing centers nationwide. The crown of your head typically requires 1.5 to 2 inches of hair, but body hair can often be used. Hair testing is available for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or tailored options.
In recent years, hair follicle drug tests have become more common in drug testing procedures, replacing traditional urine tests. Employers, courts, and Substance Abuse professionals prefer hair drug tests to enforce zero-tolerance drug policies. Hair follicle drug tests offer the advantage of a longer detection window, generally up to 90 days, collected under observation, and they're extremely difficult to alter. However, for detecting recent drug use within five days, urine testing remains the most reliable method.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within its growing strand fibers. When obtained near the scalp, hair offers roughly a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair can be obtained. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result involves four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample undergoes initial integration into a lab's system. This stage ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data inputs absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a primary, swift examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method for negating drug use in most cases, a positive screen necessitates validation for legal admissibility. Samples with presumptive positive Screening require further confirmation.
When a sample registers as presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Extraction. Drugs are removed from hair in this phase at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screen is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation adhering to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lafayette, LA is evident when one considers the superior detection accuracy of hair tests. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle analysis provides an extended perspective, better reliability, and is less susceptible to manipulation, making it the preferred choice amongst many organizations.
Extended Detection Window in Lafayette, LA marks a significant advantage of hair follicle testing. With the ability to uncover drug use up to 90 days prior, these tests offer a thorough insight into an individual's substance history, ensuring employers gain a comprehensive view of potential hires or current team members.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lafayette, LA highlights the strength of hair follicle testing against sample tampering. This method curtails the risk of fraud, ensuring dependable and clear results that attest to the authenticity and integrity of the drug testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lafayette, LA illustrate the accessibility of our services. Our extensive network of testing centers facilitates swift, seamless, and convenient access to drug testing, enhancing the overall testing experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lafayette, LA makes ordering, taking, and receiving test results straightforward and private. The discreet nature of this process assures individuals that their privacy is respected and the procedure remains user-friendly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lafayette, LA make our services stand out, offering competitive pricing and swift service delivery. This ensures excellent value while providing reassurance to enterprises of all sizes regarding their drug testing needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lafayette, LA are paramount when it comes to drug testing. Hair follicle tests excel in providing precise, rapid insights into substance use, boasting unparalleled accuracy compared to traditional methods. These tests quickly identify patterns of use, lending confidence in the results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lafayette, LA is achievable through hair follicle testing. Employers can ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal liabilities and enhancing workplace security through reliable testing methods.