Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Lawtell, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair screening has emerged as a robust means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides an extended timeline of drug and alcohol use by capturing markers within the strands of growing hair. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate three-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, comparatively hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 strands of hair (similar to a #2 pencil) near the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for analysis and verification. For EtG, optional additions, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It's encouraged to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair is acceptable. When discussing head hair, we refer strictly to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair forms (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Overview of Process

The primary steps in processing a drug test outcome in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning covers the initial entry of a sample into a lab's system. This process verifies that the sample was adequately sealed and sent, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any missing data entry not provided by a digital chain of custody system.

Screening is an initial quick assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use in most cases, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.

Should a sample be presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are removed from hair at very low concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug consumption up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection period.
• Challenging to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is very difficult, enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical data provision: It illustrates a pattern of drug usage over time, rather than only recent use.

Drawbacks:

• Cannot identify recent consumption: It typically takes about 5-7 days for drugs to be detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally cost more than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and personal hair growth differences can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests," the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Lawtell, LA, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over urine testing. The extended detection window allows for identifying drug use over a longer period, providing a more complete picture than the often limited urine test.

Unlike urine tests, hair follicle analysis in Lawtell, LA, demonstrates high reliability and precise drug detection over many weeks, making it a preferred choice for employers who prioritize accuracy.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Lawtell, LA, stands out due to its remarkable extended detection window of up to 90 days. This extensive window empowers employers with more extensive substance use insights of potential hires or current employees.

This long-term drug use detection in Lawtell, LA, is pivotal for organizations looking to understand an individual's entire substance history, surpassing the limited coverage of conventional tests.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The hair follicle test in Lawtell, LA, offers a tamper-resistant testing method, making it a reliable choice. This approach substantially curtails the chance of sample tampering, unlike other tests.

When opting for hair follicle testing in Lawtell, LA, employers and individuals benefit from results that are both dependable and resistant to adulteration, giving assurance in the evidence provided.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Lawtell, LA, we offer widespread access with our nationwide testing centers, making the testing process quick and convenient. Our local presence ensures a hassle-free experience for all individuals needing tests.

With our extensive network of testing locations in Lawtell, LA, scheduling a hair follicle test is seamless, offering both ease and peace of mind for those seeking efficient testing services.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Lawtell, LA, is simple and confidential. From ordering to testing and receiving results, every step prioritizes user privacy and straightforward handling.

In Lawtell, LA, our testing procedure guarantees confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns, and ensuring ease of use, making it a reassuring choice for those undergoing drug and alcohol screening.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Lawtell, LA, our hair follicle drug testing stands out with affordable pricing and fast turnaround. This value-packed offer ensures businesses can maintain their drug-free policy without breaking the bank.

Coupling competitive pricing with quick results, our services in Lawtell, LA, provide excellent value and efficiency, catering to companies of all sizes seeking reliable drug testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Lawtell, LA, hair follicle drug testing provides fast and accurate results. With its superior precision, this method of testing beats traditional methods by reliably identifying substance usage, ensuring accurate assessments every time.

With advanced technology, hair follicle tests in Lawtell, LA, are processed swiftly, making them highly reliable for quick and correct results, giving both employers and individuals confidence in the findings.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Adopting hair follicle testing in Lawtell, LA, for employee screenings ensures compliance with workplace drug-free mandates, greatly reducing legal exposure and fostering a safer work environment.

Employers in Lawtell, LA, benefit from peace of mind as this stringent testing method bolsters their commitment to a drug-free workplace, enhancing both safety and adherence to regulations.

Drug Testing Near Lawtell, LA

Port Barre, LA

Eunice, LA

Ville Platte, LA

Cankton, LA

Leonville, LA

Grand Coteau, LA

Point Blue, LA

Sunset, LA

Chataignier, LA

Church Point, LA

Plaquemine, LA

Ledoux, LA

Opelousas, LA

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews