Providing comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Lakeshore, Louisiana, Accredited Drug Testing is your go-to source. Whether it's a drug or alcohol test you require, our specialization in hair testing sets us apart. With locations in every city nationwide, we are prepared to conduct hair tests. Typically, hair lengths of 1.5 to 2 inches are needed from the scalp or body for analysis, which can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other custom testing.
In recent years, hair follicle testing has become a more common drug testing method. Many organizations such as employers, courts, and substance abuse professionals are now preferring hair tests over traditional urine tests. These are particularly useful for employers enforcing no-drug-use policies, courts, and individuals on probation. The key advantage of hair tests is their ability to detect drug use over a prolonged period—up to 90 days—with a reliably observed collection process that makes it difficult to tamper with. Nonetheless, urine tests remain the most accurate for drug use detected within five days prior.
* 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 testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended overview of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. By collecting hair close to the scalp, it can reveal up to a three-month history of alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the standard sample needed for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or those extending beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accurate weighing. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. Head hair refers specifically to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
Laboratory processing of drug test results involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the lab's system. This involves checking that the sample is sealed and transported correctly, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and recording any pertinent data not included by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening performs an initial overview to spot potential drugs of abuse. Although a cost-efficient step to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive finding here necessitates confirmation for it to be valid in a legal context. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
When a sample is presumed positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are separated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluids, making hair testing particularly challenging to implement.
Positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All suggested positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if required. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the laboratory process is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests", this test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When it comes to detecting drug use, hair follicle testing holds significant advantages over traditional urine testing in Lakeshore, LA. Hair tests offer superior detection capabilities, highlighting drug use from up to 90 days prior. This extensive window allows for a comprehensive assessment of an individual's history, something that urine tests cannot match due to their limited detection period.
The reliability of hair testing also stems from the rigorous collection process. Unlike urine tests, which can be susceptible to tampering, hair testing involves an observed procedure, making it nearly impossible to cheat. This makes hair follicle testing more dependable for environments with strict drug-free policies.
Hair follicle testing in Lakeshore, LA provides an exceptionally extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use over a much longer timeframe compared to other methods. Specifically, substances can be detected up to 90 days after use, offering employers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance engagement over time, rather than a snapshot of recent use.
This extensive detection period empowers employers to make more informed decisions. It serves as a valuable tool when assessing an individual's long-term substance use patterns, rather than relying solely on short-term indicators as with urine tests. This approach aids in maintaining a drug-free work environment.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Lakeshore, LA significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration. Unlike urine tests, where samples can be easily compromised, hair tests involve an observed collection process, minimizing the potential for interference and ensuring the integrity of the results.
This reduction in adulteration risks provides employers and legal bodies with assurance that the test results are authentic and reliable. This integrity translates into confidence in the outcomes of the tests, aiding in critical decision-making processes that rely on accurate data.
Experience unmatched convenience in Lakeshore, LA with our nationwide and local testing centers. Across numerous locations, Accredited Drug Testing ensures anyone can access our services effortlessly. These centers are designed to facilitate quick and easy testing processes, minimizing downtime for both employers and individuals.
This extensive network means that no matter where you are in the country, or specifically within Lakeshore, our services remain accessible. We provide hassle-free access to reliable testing solutions that cater to a variety of needs, ensuring prompt and efficient service every time.
The process of hair follicle drug testing in Lakeshore, LA prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to taking the test, each step is designed to ensure privacy, respecting the individual's need for discreet handling of their information. Receiving the results is equally straightforward, enabling users to maintain confidence in their privacy.
This seamless procedure directly addresses concerns regarding user-friendliness and confidentiality, making hair follicle testing an attractive option for both individuals and organizations. This user-centered approach ensures ease of use without compromising the integrity of the process.
Offering a blend of affordability and swift results, our hair follicle drug testing services in Lakeshore, LA are designed to cater to businesses of all sizes. Competitive pricing structures make it feasible for companies to comply with drug-free policies without straining budgets.
The promise of fast turnaround times amplifies our value proposition, ensuring that results are not only cost-effective but also quickly available. This combination of affordability and speed provides peace of mind, knowing that reliable results are just around the corner without the wait.
In Lakeshore, LA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. Their precision in detecting substance use is unmatched, offering a sense of security that the results reflect true drug use patterns. The speed with which results are processed adds another layer of convenience, ensuring that companies and individuals receive timely, insightful data they can trust.
High accuracy marks hair follicle testing as a superior choice for detecting a wide range of substances. Unlike other testing methods, the precision inherent in hair analysis means fewer false positives, providing more dependable outcomes. This ensures that conclusions drawn from the test are well-founded and actionable.
In Lakeshore, LA, compliance and peace of mind for employers are significantly enhanced through the use of hair follicle testing. Aligning with workplace drug-free policies, this testing method not only ensures legal compliance but also bolsters safety across the work environment, reducing potential liabilities.
Implementing hair testing also reassures employers of a fair and unbiased assessment of employees. The insight gained from these tests allows for proactive management of workplace health and safety. Thus, employers can focus on core business operations with the confidence that the drug-use policies are effectively upheld.