Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Mound, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair screening is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The hair provides a historical record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers in its structure. When clipped near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for drugs and alcohol. It's straightforward to collect, presents some challenge to tamper with, and is convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred quantity for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional testing, or panels exceeding ten, 150mg of the sample is advised. Use a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent volume of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, we exclusively mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (face, underarm, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary procedures in laboratory analysis for a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning covers the preliminary intake of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes confirming that the sample was adequately sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any extra data not provided through a digital custody chain system.

Screening is a primary quick assessment for substance abuse. It's a cost-effective method to dismiss drug use for most samples, but a positive result requires verification to be valid legally. Any samples that show potential positivity in Screening need further confirmation.

Should a sample be potentially positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and set for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which underscores why hair drug testing is the most intricate process.

The confirmation of a positive screen is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that appear positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair regulation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection duration: Hair drug tests identify drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a narrower detection span.
• Hard to deceive: Hair drug tests are notably difficult to falsify, ensuring greater accuracy in results.
• Yields usage history: Offers a timeline of drug use over an extended period, not just recent use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: Drugs require about 5-7 days to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests often cost more than other drug testing methods.
• Result disparities: Variations like hair color and differences in hair growth may impact drug metabolite concentrations in the hair.

Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", this test examines the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Comparing hair follicle tests to urine tests in Mound, LA reveals distinct advantages. Hair tests boast a higher detection accuracy, making them more reliable for identifying long-term drug use. This method surpasses the traditional urine test by offering a transparent view of substance usage, making it difficult to cheat.

Extended Detection Window

With an extensive detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Mound, LA provides an in-depth look at an individual's substance history. This method allows employers to observe drug use over a longer time frame, offering a more comprehensive overview of an applicant's or employee's behavior.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Mound, LA, hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the chances of sample tampering. This method enhances the reliability of drug test results, offering security and assurance due to its resistance to adulteration.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our widespread testing centers, including locations in Mound, LA, provide convenient access to hair follicle drug testing. This nationwide reach ensures that scheduling and undergoing tests is a hassle-free experience for everyone involved.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of hair follicle drug testing in Mound, LA is straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to obtaining the results, the procedure is designed to protect privacy and assure ease of use for all clients.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Mound, LA, our hair follicle drug testing services are competitively priced, offering fast turnaround times without compromising on quality. This affordability and efficiency deliver excellent value, catering to businesses of varying sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Mound, LA, the hair follicle drug test is a fast and highly precise method for substance detection. It offers superior accuracy, ensuring that even minute traces of drugs are identified, providing a reliable reflection of an individual's substance use. The swiftness and precision of hair testing make it an ideal choice for accurate assessments.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Mound, LA benefit from using hair follicle testing to maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This reliable method reduces legal liabilities and promotes a safer working environment, offering peace of mind to employers.

Drug Testing Near Mound, LA

Zimmerman, LA