Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Meraux, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of alcohol and other drugs by ensnaring biomarkers within the growing hair strand's fibers. When taken near the scalp, hair can provide nearly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively tough to tamper with, and easy to transport.

A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) next to the scalp offers 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be substituted. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the preliminary processing of a sample into the laboratory system. This step includes verifying that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any extra data not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial rapid inspection for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient solution to eliminate drug usage on most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be admissible in court. Samples that appear positive in Screening require another confirmation phase.

If a sample appears positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is drawn from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the challenge of conducting hair drug screening.

Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. All samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection duration: Hair drug exams can capture drug use for up to 90 days, as opposed to urine exams which have shorter detection spans.
• Hard to deceive: Disguising results in a hair drug test is quite challenging, enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical insights: It provides insight into a pattern of drug use over time, not merely recent use.

Limitations:

• Unable to identify recent use: Drugs need roughly 5-7 days to be traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to cost more than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result disparities: Elements such as hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Despite being commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not the scalp-rooted hair follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Meraux, LA: Hair follicle testing offers unmatched benefits compared to traditional urine testing. One significant advantage is its ability to detect a broader range of substances over a more extended period. This encompasses drug use history of up to 90 days, providing a more comprehensive substance-use profile.

Unlike urine tests that require a shorter detection window, hair testing provides robust and consistent results, making it a preferred choice among employers, legal authorities, and substance abuse professionals. Its superior detection accuracy is highly valued in ensuring both compliance and peace of mind.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Meraux, LA: Hair follicle testing excels in offering an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This prolonged period allows employers to obtain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, which is crucial for a secure, drug-free workplace.

Through comprehensive analysis, hair tests highlight patterns of use overlooked by standard methods. This deeper insight affords employers the data necessary to make informed employment and policy decisions, reflecting an accurate portrayal of an applicant or employee's long-term substance history.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Meraux, LA: Hair follicle testing is renowned for its tamper-resistant nature. This method significantly diminishes the possibility of sample adulteration, thereby ensuring the reliability and integrity of the results.

The difficulty to tamper with hair samples strengthens the credibility of the testing process, offering unquestionable outcomes to businesses and legal authorities. By relying on hair tests, stakeholders can confidently enforce and uphold zero-tolerance policies against drug use.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Meraux, LA: Our testing facilities are extensively available nationwide, ensuring every individual has easy access to testing services quickly and hassle-free. This expansive network emphasizes convenience for businesses and individuals alike.

The seamless accessibility of our testing locations ensures quick service access, aiding in the swift implementation of necessary processes. With locations across the country, Accredited Drug Testing offers valuable ease while maintaining service quality.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Meraux, LA: The procedure for arranging, undergoing, and receiving hair test results at Accredited Drug Testing is straightforward and confidential, effectively addressing any concerns regarding privacy.

The entire process is tailored for user-friendliness, guaranteeing clients a stress-free experience. By maintaining high standards of confidentiality, we prioritize every test-taker's right to privacy and provide peace of mind through clarity and simplicity.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Meraux, LA: At Accredited Drug Testing, competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times are central tenets of our service. We strive to deliver both economic value and peace of mind for all organizations, regardless of scale.

Through transparent pricing structures and swift processing times, our hair follicle drug tests offer cost-effective solutions that align with the budgetary constraints of businesses while ensuring quick, reliable results.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Meraux, LA: Our hair follicle drug tests provide rapid and precise results, ensuring the highest level of accuracy in detecting substance use. The quick turnaround time and reliability make it a top choice for those responsible for maintaining a drug-free environment in their workplace or community.

The testing procedure is designed to yield fast and dependable outcomes, allowing organizations to make informed decisions swiftly. With Accredited Drug Testing, businesses can expect meticulous accuracy combined with unparalleled speed in delivering results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Meraux, LA: Employing hair follicle testing assists in complying with workplace drug-free policies. The accuracy and extended detection period support legal adherence, diminishing regulatory risks and reinforcing workplace safety.

By adopting this method, employers receive coverage against potential legal repercussions while promoting a healthy and secure work environment. Conducting precise hair tests instills confidence and peace of mind in maintaining drug-free premises.

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