Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Lake Charles, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as a significant method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by securing biomarkers within the fibers of the elongating hair strand. When extracted near the scalp, hair can present nearly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for screening and validation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It's recommended to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair may be gathered. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, like facial and axillary hair.

Process Overview

The processing of a drug test result in the laboratory includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning signifies the initial entry of a sample into a lab's system. It entails confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input not given by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary swift check for abusive drugs. Although Screening offers a thrifty way to dismiss drug use in the majority of samples, any positive screening requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples with presumptive positive outcomes in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.

For samples showing presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly lesser concentrations compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.

Positive screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples testing presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation if required. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug evaluations can disclose drug consumption for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that have a more confined detection window.
• Hard to falsify: It's extremely challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, enhancing result precision.
• Yields historical context: It reveals a usage pattern over an extended timeframe rather than just recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally carry higher costs than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Variables like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Although frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is focused on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Lake Charles, LA offers numerous advantages over traditional urine tests. One of the significant benefits is its extensive detection period, identifying drug use far longer than urine tests can. Its reliability is underscored by its resistance to tampering, ensuring a fair assessment.

Employers in Lake Charles recognize the superior detection accuracy and dependability of hair follicle tests compared to urine tests. A more comprehensive drug use history is available through hair tests, promoting thoroughness in workplace safety protocols.

Extended Detection Window

In Lake Charles, LA, hair follicle testing is renowned for its extended detection window, revealing drug use within the past 90 days. This in-depth analysis provides employers greater insight into an individual's substance history, critical for thorough evaluations.

The method allows a retrospective glimpse into drug habits, unmatched by shorter-term testing techniques. Employers can make more informed decisions regarding potential hires, boosting confidence in their selections and ensuring a safer workplace environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Lake Charles, LA, hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant drug screening method. The sample's integrity is preserved through a rigorous collection process, significantly reducing risks of adulteration. This ensures an accurate reflection of the individual's substance use history.

This test's robustness comes from the difficulty in manipulating the hair sample, making it a reliable choice. Employers gain assurance that their drug testing processes are exact and results are indubitable.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenience is paramount with our Lake Charles, LA testing facilities, part of a nationwide network. Access to drug testing services is quick and hassle-free, supporting employers with easy scheduling at local or national centers.

This vast network ensures prompt support, crucial for addressing drug testing needs efficiently. Whether local or across the country, access to quality testing is just around the corner.

Simple, Confidential Process

Order, take, and receive results with ease in Lake Charles, LA. Our process is designed to be simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring user comfort throughout the testing procedure.

Individuals benefit from a straightforward process, where discretion is maintained at every stage. Results are communicated swiftly and securely, providing peace of mind.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Lake Charles, LA, our drug testing services offer affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times. We provide excellent value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring the cost-effectiveness of quality testing services.

Immediate results maintain workflow equilibrium, and our competitive rates guarantee that quality drug screening remains accessible, assuring companies and enhancing reliability.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle drug test in Lake Charles, LA ensures quick and accurate results, unmatched for detecting substance use. Their precision is evident in identifying drug consumption successfully, providing reliable data for decision-making. Faster results mean that important decisions are not delayed, enhancing trust in testing methods.

These tests deliver speedy outcomes, crucial for employment scenarios needing quick turnaround. The detailed results from hair follicle testing allow for more informed judgment, aligning with the demands for high accuracy in detecting various substances.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Using hair follicle testing in Lake Charles, LA ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies. It offers employers peace of mind knowing that their drug screening aligns with legal requirements, reducing risks of legal complications.

This method enhances workplace safety by offering an accurate and dependable drug screening option. Companies can confidently enforce their policies and maintain a drug-free environment for all employees.

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