Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Phoenix, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for detecting alcohol and drug consumption. Hair records long-term alcohol and other drug use by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can show drug and alcohol presence for a period of about 3 months. It's simple to collect, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to send.

A hair specimen of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 strands (similar to a #2 pencil in size) next to the scalp yields 100mg, suitable for screening and confirming. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, about 150mg is advisable. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the hair. If scalp hair isn’t available, a comparable amount of body hair is acceptable. When speaking of head hair, we mean only the scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial and axillary).

Process Overview

The primary stages in the lab processing of drug test outcomes include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial integration of a specimen into a lab system. This involves checking that the specimen was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any other data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.

Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for abusive substances. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage across most specimens, any positive indication requires verification for courtroom acceptance. Samples indicating a positive result in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

If the Screening stage indicates a positive result, additional hair is taken from the original sample and set for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are taken from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which is why hair drug testing is the most intricate procedure to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive indications in the screening is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Pros of hair drug tests:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that have a shorter timeframe.
• Challenging to trick: It is quite challenging to deceive a hair drug test, ensuring more precise outcomes.
• Offers historical data: It can show a pattern of drug usage over time, not just recent consumption.

Drawbacks:

• Cannot identify recent usage: It typically takes 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than other drug testing techniques.
• Differences in results: Aspects like hair color and unique hair growth can influence the level of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis involves the hair strand, not the scalp’s hair follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Phoenix, LA
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Its longer detection window allows for a more thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, giving employers and professionals a deeper insight into patterns of behavior.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Phoenix, LA
Hair follicle testing boasts a remarkable ability to detect drug use over approximately 90 days. This extended period of detection provides employers with an encompassing view of an applicant's or employee's substance history, aiding in informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Phoenix, LA
The hair follicle test significantly mitigates the risk of sample tampering. Its innate resistance to adulteration ensures reliable outcomes that are trustworthy and beyond dispute, enhancing the integrity of the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Phoenix, LA
With testing centers spread across the nation, including local facilities in Phoenix, LA, accessing our services is hassle-free and convenient. This accessibility ensures quick and straightforward drug testing solutions for all clients.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Phoenix, LA
Our straightforward process for ordering, undergoing, and receiving results ensures confidentiality and ease of use. This approach effectively addresses and alleviates concerns regarding privacy and the simplicity of the testing procedure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Phoenix, LA
Our competitive pricing structures paired with rapid turnaround times underscore the exceptional value we provide to companies of varying sizes, ensuring both cost-effectiveness and peace of mind.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Phoenix, LA
Hair follicle drug tests provide swift and precise results, capturing substance use with high accuracy. This method excels in both detecting recent and past drug use, standing as a reliable choice for ensuring the truthfulness and integrity of the testing process.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Phoenix, LA
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This approach reduces legal risks and contributes to a safer workplace environment, offering employers assurance and peace of mind.

Drug Testing Near Phoenix, LA

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