Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Mira, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has evolved into a formidable instrument for uncovering drug and alcohol use. Hair offers an enduring record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month detection span for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easily collected, challenging to adulterate, and straightforward to ship.

A 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the perfect specimen for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It's recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair may be gathered. When referencing head hair, this implies only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The lab processing of a drug test result comprises four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any additional data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening executes an initial brief assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to negate drug usage on most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be acceptable in court. Any samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening require a further confirmation.

In cases where a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening stage, extra hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are separated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is among the most challenging methodologies to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection span: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which offer a shorter detection span.
• Hard to manipulate: Manipulating a hair drug test is extremely difficult, thus ensuring more accurate results.
• Offers historical insight: It can reflect a pattern of drug usage over time, beyond just recent use.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent usage: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are usually more costly than other drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When it comes to drug testing in Mira, LA, hair follicle tests stand superior to traditional urine tests. The accuracy in detection and the reliability of results make hair testing the preferred choice. Unlike urine tests, which can only identify recent usage, hair analyses provide a broader detection period, effectively uncovering long-term substance use patterns that urine tests might miss, enhancing workplace safety and trust.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Mira, LA benefit from the extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing, which can trace drug use up to 90 days prior. This comprehensive overview allows employers to better evaluate an employee's or applicant's substance use history. Such insights are crucial in making informed hiring decisions, contributing to a healthier work environment and reducing risks associated with drug usage.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Mira, LA minimizes the risk of sample tampering, ensuring that results remain trustworthy and irrefutable. The method's resistance to adulteration reassures both employers and employees about the integrity of the drug testing process. By greatly reducing the possibility of cheating, hair tests uphold the standards of accuracy and reliability.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Mira, LA hosts convenient testing centers as part of a nationwide network, making drug testing services easily accessible. Employees and employers can benefit from quick, simple, and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing. This widespread availability supports efficient testing processes, contributing to seamless operations for businesses across various locations.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of hair follicle testing in Mira, LA is both straightforward and confidential. From ordering a test to collecting samples and receiving results, the procedure is user-friendly and privacy-focused. This ensures individuals feel secure about their personal information, fostering a stress-free experience throughout the drug testing process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Mira, LA provides outstanding value for businesses of all sizes. Companies can trust in receiving timely results without compromising on cost-effectiveness, assuring them of the quality service that balances affordability with fast, accurate testing outcomes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Mira, LA, hair follicle drug tests deliver unmatched accuracy, swiftly pinpointing substance use. The precision of these tests ensures high reliability, providing quick insights into an individual's drug history with confidence. Knowing that the results are both fast and dependable, this method emerges as a favorable choice for comprehensive drug analysis.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Mira, LA, utilizing hair follicle testing guarantees compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method not only reduces legal liabilities but also enhances the overall safety of the workplace. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are taking proactive measures to uphold a safe working environment, fostering compliance and trust within the company.

Drug Testing Near Mira, LA

Springhill, LA

Brownlee, LA

Sarepta, LA

Cullen, LA

Mooringsport, LA

Alden Bridge, LA

Oil City, LA

Belcher, LA

Plain Dealing, LA

Antrim, LA

Bolinger, LA

Gilliam, LA

Vivian, LA

Rodessa, LA

Hosston, 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