Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Lucky, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a detailed timeline of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can afford a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, offers resistance to tampering, and is easy to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the prime sample size for screening and validation. For EtG testing, add-ons, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, we're specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other varieties of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The drug test laboratory process encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the preliminary processing of the sample into the lab's system, entailing the verification of proper sealing and shipment, assignment of a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry not included by an electronic custody chain system.

Screening involves an initial examination for illicit drugs. Although it's a cost-effective method to eliminate most samples out of suspicion, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for court validity. Samples that return presumptive positive results in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.

Should a sample yield presumptive positive results during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for further Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from hair at markedly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis a challenging technique to execute.

Confirming any positive screening findings is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive undergo pre-confirmation washing when required. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Lengthy detection period: Hair drug evaluations can trace drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection timeframe.
• Challenging to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is highly challenging, thus ensuring more precise results.
• Delivers historical patterns: It can reveal a timeline of drug consumption, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: Drugs require roughly 5-7 days to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing is often pricier than other methodologies.
• Result variations: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences can affect drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the examination actually studies the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Lucky, LA, hair follicle testing has emerged as a superior alternative to traditional urine tests. Why? The extended detection period of hair samples provides a more accurate depiction of an individual's substance history. This test is invaluable for employers looking to enforce zero-tolerance policies.

Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages in terms of accuracy and reliability, especially for identifying habitual drug use over a more extended period, which is often crucial for maintaining operational standards.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle tests in Lucky, LA offer a significant advantage with their extended detection window of up to 90 days. This feature allows employers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of an employee's or job candidate's substance use history.

The longer detection window makes hair tests an ideal choice for organizations aiming to maintain a drug-free work environment, as it provides a clearer image of long-term substance use habits, ensuring informed hiring and retention decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Lucky, LA benefits from hair follicle testing's tamper-resistant method, which significantly reduces the risk of sample alteration. This provides results that are hard to dispute and ensures confidence in employment and legal proceedings.

Unlike other testing methods, hair testing offers a robust deterrent against potential deception. Its resistance to tampering guarantees that outcomes reflect genuine behavior, which is critical in maintaining the integrity of workforce and legal assessments.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With nationwide coverage and convenient local centers in Lucky, LA, hair follicle testing is easily accessible. Our simple and hassle-free testing facilities ensure quick and efficient service for all clients, readily accommodating their needs.

Having local testing centers ensures that individuals and companies can engage with the drug testing process without inconvenience. Our facilities deliver a seamless experience, promoting a smoother operational workflow.

Simple, Confidential Process

Lucky, LA offers a simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing, assuring clients of their privacy. The straightforward approach to ordering, collecting, and receiving results minimizes stress and concerns, providing a seamless experience.

This confidential method respects individual privacy while guaranteeing ease of use, making it a choice method for many requiring discreet yet thorough results in a supportive and professional manner.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Lucky, LA, hair follicle testing combines affordable pricing with fast turnaround times to deliver excellent value. Our competitive price structures ensure that companies of all sizes can benefit from high-quality testing without incurring excessive costs.

Our efficient processes not only save time but also underpin financial prudence, allowing businesses to maintain quality standards while respecting budget constraints, ensuring operational and financial soundness.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Lucky, LA are renowned for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. This testing method ensures exceptional precision in identifying substance use, providing results that employers and legal systems can trust and rely upon.

The efficiency of hair testing is unmatched, allowing for a swift turnaround time without compromising accuracy. With such precise testing, individuals responsible for safety and adherence to policies can make informed decisions rapidly.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For businesses in Lucky, LA, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, providing peace of mind for employers. This method mitigates legal risks and enhances workplace safety by ensuring only compliant individuals remain employed.

By integrating hair tests, companies enhance their ability to adhere to regulatory requirements while promoting a secure working environment, fostering a culture of trust and safety.

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