Hair Follicle Drug Testing - New Roads, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now regarded as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by retaining biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal up to an estimated 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipment.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields about 100mg of hair, which is the perfect quantity for testing and validation. For EtG tests, additional tests, and those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent volume of body hair might be utilized. Head hair exclusively refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other kinds (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure to determine a drug test outcome incorporates Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation as its four fundamental stages.

Accessioning involves the preliminary handling of a sample into a laboratory's system. This procedure includes ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening conducts an initial prompt assessment for drug abuse. Despite Screening being an economical approach to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive outcome in the screen requires validation to be admissible legally. Each sample that exhibits presumptive positive results in Screening mandates a subsequent affirmation.

If a specimen shows a presumptive positive result during the Screening phase, more hair is obtained from the initial sample for preparation in Extraction. In this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at a distinctly lower concentration level than other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of performing hair drug screening.

An affirmative screening result undergoes Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS methods. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned prior to necessary confirmation. The comprehensive lab 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:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, contrasting with urine tests which have a brief detection span.
• Resistance to manipulation: It is extremely challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, ensuring more definite results.
• Offers historical insight: It reveals a pattern of drug intake over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to spot recent use: Detecting drugs in hair requires roughly 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically costlier than alternative drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Attributes such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth may alter the drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: While often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the examination pertains to the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In New Roads, LA, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests because of superior accuracy. Consistent detection reliability makes hair tests a preferred choice. Contrasting with traditional urine tests, hair tests provide a clearer substance use record.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle tests in New Roads, LA capture drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This longer detection window provides employers with a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, ensuring a thorough assessment of potential employees or current staff.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The hair follicle testing method in New Roads, LA significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering. This method ensures reliability and unquestionable results that are difficult to adulterate, providing peace of mind with every test.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With testing centers spread across the nation, including New Roads, LA, our locations offer quick and hassle-free access to services. This convenience ensures you can get a test done promptly and without any difficulties.

Simple, Confidential Process

Testing in New Roads, LA is straightforward and confidential. The process is simple, from ordering to receiving results, ensuring privacy concerns are addressed efficiently. Users can rely on a seamless experience without complication.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering affordable pricing and swift turnaround times, our testing in New Roads, LA stands out. Competitive cost structures ensure great value for companies of all sizes, providing rapid results without breaking the bank.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in New Roads, LA provide quick, reliable outcomes. Their precision is unmatched, detecting substances with high accuracy. Results are fast, ensuring timely decisions. No other method compares to the speed and certainty offered by hair testing.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in New Roads, LA, can achieve compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This method minimizes legal risks and fosters a safer workplace, gaining peace of mind knowing employees adhere to company standards.

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