Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Marthaville, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The strands of hair capture biomarkers within the growing fibers, offering a comprehensive history of substances. When collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. It's easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch strand sample containing around 200 hairs (akin to a #2 pencil) from near the scalp delivers 100mg, which is optimal for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is preferable. It's advised to use a jeweler's scale for precise specimen measurement. If scalp hair is unavailable, body hair may be used as a substitute. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types, such as facial and axillary.

Process Overview

The four primary phases in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is about the initial sample processing into the lab’s system. This incorporates ensuring the sample's seal and shipment were appropriate, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any further data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening serves as an initial, swift evaluation for substance misuse. Although Screening offers a cost-effective resolution to potentially dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive outcome needs verification for legal acceptability. Any samples suspected to be positive during Screening require subsequent verification.

Should a sample test presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair from the original sample is used for Extraction. Here, the extraction of drugs from hair occurs at far lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Specimens with presumptive positives are washed as necessary before confirmation. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes examination under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests track drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which cover a shorter timespan.
• Challenging to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is significantly difficult, ensuring result precision.
• Offers historical insight: It records patterns of drug usage over time, beyond just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect immediate use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after intake.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variances: Variables like hair color and personal differences in hair growth may influence the drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Despite the term "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Marthaville, LA

In comparison to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing in Marthaville, LA, offers notable advantages.

• Superior detection accuracy helps identify long-term drug use.
• Reliable performance enhances trust in test results.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Marthaville, LA

Hair follicle testing in Marthaville, LA, offers an extended window for detecting substance use.

• Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior.
• Provides a comprehensive substance history.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Marthaville, LA

In Marthaville, LA, hair follicle tests are renowned for reducing the risk of sample tampering.

• Unquestionable results ensure credibility.
• Reliable in preventing adulteration attempts.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Marthaville, LA

Testing in Marthaville, LA, is made easy with extensive nationwide centers.

• Quick access to various testing services.
• Ensures hassle-free testing experiences.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Marthaville, LA

The hair testing process in Marthaville, LA, prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality.

• Ordering and testing remain straightforward.
• Results are received in private, addressing privacy concerns.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Marthaville, LA

In Marthaville, LA, hair testing services provide competitive pricing and swift results.

• The economic structure caters to businesses of all sizes.
• Quick turnaround times enhance efficiency.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Marthaville, LA

In Marthaville, LA, hair follicle drug testing provides unparalleled precision and speed. Offering high accuracy in detecting substance use, these tests are essential for ensuring reliable results.

• Rapid results lead to swift decisions.
• High detection accuracy reduces false positives.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Marthaville, LA

Employers in Marthaville, LA, benefit from hair follicle testing which supports adherence to drug-free policies.

• Ensures compliance with regulations.
• Minimizes legal risks and enhances safety.

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