Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Natchitoches, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive timeline of substance intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the developing hair. When collected from the scalp's proximity, hair can reveal up to a 90-day detection period for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and conveniently transportable.

A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (resembling a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for initial screening and verification. For EtG, additional assessments, and/or evaluations beyond a 10-panel test, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's advisable to measure the sample weight using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be insufficient, a comparable quantity of body hair may be utilized. When mentioning head hair, it exclusively pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary stages in the laboratory assessment of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the preliminary handling of a specimen within a laboratory’s framework. This involves ensuring the specimen's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is an introductory rapid evaluation for drug misuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly approach to exclude drug use in most specimens, a positive screen must be validated for court acceptance. Samples that exhibit a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a confirmatory test.

For specimens with a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction preparation. During this phase, substances are efficiently extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to execute.

Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are cleansed prior to confirmation as warranted. The entire procedural flow from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage for up to three months, unlike urine tests that have a lesser detection timeframe.
• Challenging to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is notably difficult, enhancing result reliability.
• Offers historical insights: It provides a longitudinal pattern of substance use over time, beyond recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Does not detect recent intake: There's a 5-7 day period before drugs become traceable in hair.
• Higher expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs compared to alternate testing approaches.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations within the hair.

Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis assesses the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

The superiority of hair follicle testing over urine tests in Natchitoches, LA is evident in several aspects, with detection accuracy being at the forefront. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle tests offer longer detection periods, capturing a broader window of substance use. This reliability provides a distinct advantage for organizations with stringent drug-free policies.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection period of up to 90 days when compared to traditional testing methods in Natchitoches, LA. This expansive timeframe allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of a person's substance use history, proving invaluable for assessing potential employees or ensuring ongoing compliance within the workforce.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The integrity of hair follicle drug tests in Natchitoches, LA is fortified by their resistance to tampering. These tests drastically reduce the likelihood of sample adulteration, offering results that are secure and trustworthy. This strength is a major asset in circumstances where accurate and definitive outcomes are essential.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our testing services in Natchitoches, LA are supported by a network of nationwide centers, alongside local facilities, ensuring convenience and efficiency. This accessibility makes it easy for individuals and companies to gain quick, seamless support for their testing needs, simplifying the process significantly.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of conducting hair follicle tests in Natchitoches, LA is streamlined and confidential, addressing privacy concerns with sensitivity. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results is constructed to be straightforward, ensuring participants can engage without worry, backed by robust confidentiality assurances.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Natchitoches, LA, our hair follicle testing services are defined by competitive pricing and rapid turnaround, offering exceptional value. This makes them accessible to businesses of varying sizes, guaranteeing cost-effectiveness without sacrificing quality or speed in results delivery.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Natchitoches, LA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering results that are not only rapid but also incredibly precise. These tests are high in accuracy, ensuring that any substance use is detected reliably. The efficiency in processing hair samples means faster turnaround times, making them a preferred choice for timely decisions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Natchitoches, LA, hair follicle testing supports the adherence to drug-free policy compliance in workplaces, providing employers with peace of mind. By reducing legal liabilities and promoting safer work environments, these tests ensure that companies can maintain rigorous standards of operational integrity.

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