Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Lafitte, LA

What it is, How it works

The use of hair in testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair traps biomarkers within its growing fibers, offering a historical view of substance use. When hair is collected near the scalp, it provides a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil), can yield 100mg, which is the optimal amount for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for accurate weighing. If head hair is not available, an equivalent portion of body hair can be used. The term head hair refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial and underarm hair.

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of drug test results comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning commences with the sample's initial system processing. This stage involves ensuring the sample's integrity during shipment, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any unrecorded data, assuming an electronic custody chain system isn't used.

Screening involves a preliminary drug abuse check. Although cost-effective, positive results from Screening necessitate further confirmation for legal validity. Samples testing presumptively positive in Screening require additional confirmation.

Should a Screening result be presumptively positive, further hair is taken from the sample for the Extraction phase. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair in concentrations far lower than other methods like urine or oral fluid, justifying hair drug screening's complexity.

Confirming positive results employs techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples undergo necessary washing before confirmation. Each laboratory step, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use history for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with shorter detection times.
• Resistance to manipulation: Cheating a hair drug test is notably difficult, enhancing result reliability.
• Historical insight: Provides a drug use timeline, rather than only recent activity.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent use: Drugs require about 5-7 days to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing is typically pricier compared to other methods.
• Result variability: Factors including hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing is more advantageous than urine tests in Lafitte, LA, due to its superior detection capabilities. Compared to urine tests, hair testing provides extended detection windows and increased reliability.

• Hair tests identify drug use over a longer period, showcasing greater accuracy.
• Samples are less susceptible to tampering, unlike urine samples.
• Many industries prefer hair tests for their comprehensive insights into drug use history.

Extended Detection Window

One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Lafitte, LA, is its extended detection window which can identify substance use for up to 90 days.

• This longer detection period offers a clear view of an individual's substance use over several months.
• This makes it invaluable for employers seeking a complete assessment.
• Such comprehensive detection is unparalleled by traditional testing methods.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Lafitte, LA, are a preferred method due to their resistant nature against tampering, ensuring the reliability of results at all times.

• The collection process is observed, reducing chances of alteration.
• Samples withstand attempts of adulteration, unlike other methods.
• This integrity makes hair tests trustworthy for court and employment screenings.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our vast network of testing centers in Lafitte, LA, and beyond ensures convenience through Nationwide availability.

• Access to testing wherever needed simplifies logistics.
• Locations are equipped to handle all testing requirements.
• The availability of facilities accelerates the testing process, making it stress-free.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Lafitte, LA, Accredited Drug Testing provides a simple and confidential testing process to safeguard privacy concerns.

• Ordering tests is streamlined for maximum ease.
• Our private processes ensure a stress-free experience for individuals.
• Test results are delivered confidentially, guaranteeing privacy.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

We emphasize affordable pricing and swift turnaround times in Lafitte, LA, with competitive rates across all our testing services.

• Our budget-friendly options cater to businesses of all sizes.
• The quick results from our tests add value by minimizing wait times.
• Our pricing structure assures peace of mind without compromising quality.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Lafitte, LA, hair follicle drug tests promise fast, accurate, and reliable results. Their precision makes them a top choice for detecting substance abuse.

• The accuracy of hair tests ensures a very low margin of error in results.
• The rapid turnaround time provides immediate insights.
• With consistent results, hair tests are trusted for professional and legal settings.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Lafitte, LA, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free policies, fostering a safer and more lawful workplace environment.

• Stringent regulations are upheld effortlessly.
• Using hair tests minimizes the risk of legal issues relating to drug use.
• Peace of mind for employers translates to improved employee productivity.

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What's New In Hair Follicle Drug Testing according to the Hair Drug Testing Experts

With its multidisciplinary nature, hair testing brings together researchers, scientists, and experts from various domains to develop innovative techniques, explore new methodologies, and address emerging concerns, responding to the ever-evolving challenges of drug abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring, and environmental exposures to pollutants.

The joint meeting of the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) and the Italian Group of Forensic Toxicologists (GTFI) was organized in Verona, June 8–10, 2022, and hosted by the Legal Medicine team of the Verona University Hospital, directed by Franco Tagliaro together with Federica Bortolotti and Rossella Gottardo.

It served as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, facilitating groundbreaking advancements in hair testing and analysis. In this special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, we aim to showcase the remarkable manuscripts presented at this significant event, shedding light on the latest research and highlighting the future directions in this field.

Novel Analytical Techniques: The Verona meeting witnessed the unveiling of cutting-edge analytical techniques, offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy for drug testing. Remarkable advancements in sample preparation, detection, and identification of drug compounds have been presented. The manuscripts in this section presented novel approaches, such as multianalyte methods and on-line preparation which can enable rapid analysis and improve thorough forensic investigations.

Biomarkers and Pharmacokinetics: The identification and validation of reliable biomarkers and pharmacokinetic studies are fundamental aspects of drug testing and analysis. The impact of hair treatments on the oxidation/decomposition of drugs in hair was also explored, as the long-term fate of drugs incorporated in the keratin matrix. Furthermore, the SoHT meeting in Verona featured research on the identification and quantification of alcohol abuse biomarkers, their stability, and their correlation with exposure and other biomarkers.

Forensic Applications and Interpretation: One of the vital objectives of hair testing is its application in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. The SoHT meeting in Verona emphasized the significance of rigorous interpretation of analytical results and the need for standardized protocols. Manuscripts in this section present advancements in forensic toxicology, and have explored the challenges posed by emerging designer drugs and strategies to combat their proliferation. The pitfalls encountered when the exogenous/endogenous nature of a substance is questioned were presented and discussed. The special issue presents also manuscripts that delve into the ethical implications of drug testing in drug facilitated sexual assaults.

Clinical Applications of hair testing are witnessed by the insight on environmental tobacco smoke exposure, assessed by hair analysis in a population of students and the study of in utero-exposure to drugs of abuse through neonatal hair analysis. Exposure to drugs was also important in cases of child abuse/neglect, when the clinical purpose of hair testing merge with its forensic applications.

The legal framework surrounding hair testing and the achievement of guidelines to ensure fairness, accuracy, and confidentiality in drug testing practices have also been discussed,and the SoHT consensus on general hair testing and testing for drugs of abuse was presented at the meeting and published as a Letter to the Editor.

In conclusion, the special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, featuring manuscripts from the SoHT–GTFI meeting in Verona 2022, reflects the remarkable advancements achieved in this field. The manuscripts provide valuable insights into novel analytical techniques, biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, forensic applications, and ethical considerations. As we embrace these advancements, we pave the way for a safer, healthier society, where drug testing and analysis serve as powerful tools in protecting public health and maintaining integrity in various sectors. The research presented in this special issue will undoubtedly shape the future of drug testing and analysis, fostering collaboration and inspiring further innovation in this crucial area of scientific inquiry.

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