Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Opelousas, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive timeline of substance usage by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand’s fibers. When specimens are collected from the scalp area, they can present a detection period of roughly up to three months for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is moderately challenging, and shipping is convenient.

A sample size of 1.5 inches, comprising about 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's thickness), taken nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen amounting to 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the hair sample. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. 'Head hair' refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas 'body hair' denotes all other forms (including facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four core stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the laboratory's framework. This stage encompasses verifying proper sealing and shipment of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drug misuse. Though Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in most cases, confirming a positive screen is necessary for it to hold up in legal situations. Any samples with presumptive positive results in Screening require further confirmation.

Upon a presumptive positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and set for Extraction. This process retrieves drugs from hair at significantly lower levels than other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), marking hair drug testing as the most complex method available.

Confirmation for any positive screen result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples that are presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation as appropriate. A review of the full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation aligns with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug intake for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which cover a shorter span.
• Difficult to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is immensely challenging, enhancing the credibility of the results.
• Delivers historical insights: It reveals a consumption pattern over an extended timeframe, not just recent activity.

Limitations:

• Incapable of revealing recent consumption: It typically takes 5-7 days for drugs to become apparent in hair.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests incur higher costs compared to alternate testing techniques.
• Result variations: Elements like hair color and personal hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Frequently identified as "hair follicle tests", the examination evaluates the hair strand rather than the scalp's hair follicle

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests in Opelousas, LA, providing unmatched detection reliability. The hair test excels by revealing both illicit and prescription drug use over extended periods.

Employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse professionals prefer the hair test for its superior accuracy compared to the traditional methods.

Extended Detection Window

Opelousas, LA employers gain a broad perspective of an individual’s substance use history due to the hair follicle test's extensive detection range, reaching up to 90 days.

This prolonged detection period aids in uncovering drug habits that might be missed by shorter testing windows.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Opelousas, LA trusts the hair follicle test for its robust resistance to tampering. Compared to other tests, it substantially reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration.

Its credibility is fortified by a highly supervised collection process, ensuring results are reliable and authentic.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing’s widespread centers across Opelousas, LA ensure prompt accessibility to testing services. It's hassle-free and convenient.

Testing facilities nationwide provide easy access, allowing for seamless integration into company protocols.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our testing process in Opelousas, LA is both straightforward and confidential, from ordering to obtaining results, ensuring simplicity and privacy protection.

This assures that clients receive a stress-free experience, prioritizing user confidentiality and ease of use.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing in Opelousas, LA offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, guaranteeing great value for businesses.

Companies of every scale receive cost-effective solutions without compromising on the efficiency or reliability of results.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle drug test stands as a paragon of accuracy and quick results in Opelousas, LA. Renowned for its precision, this testing method delivers reliable detection of substance usage.

Employers trust the hair test for its dependable and swift mechanisms. Its high accuracy offers unparalleled insight into an individual’s substance history.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Implementing hair follicle testing in Opelousas, LA workplaces ensures compliance with drug-free policies, which lowers legal risks and enhances safety.

Employers are bestowed peace of mind from knowing that employees abide by required standards, promoting a secure working environment.

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