Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Pioneer, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering an extended historical record of alcohol and drug use. When obtained near the scalp, hair samples can reveal drug and alcohol presence for as long as three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and it is easy to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels over 10, a sample weighing 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. In the absence of scalp hair, equivalent body hair can be collected. 'Head hair' refers exclusively to scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

Processing a drug test in a lab involves four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes preliminary entry of a sample into the lab's records. This step confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any missing details not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs. Though Screening is cost-effective for excluding drug usage in most samples, positive results must be confirmed to be legally valid. Presumptively positive Screening results necessitate further confirmation.

If Screening suggests a positive result, more hair is drawn from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a complex methodology to execute.

Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Necessary washing of all presumptive positive samples occurs before confirmation. The full laboratory procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, complies with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Detects drug usage up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with shorter durations.
• Difficult to falsify: Hair drug tests resist cheating, ensuring more accurate outcomes.
• Historical usage data: Provides a timeline of drug use, rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Generally pricier than other drug testing methods.
• Result fluctuations: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth affect drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Known colloquially as "hair follicle tests", analyses are performed on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Pioneer, LA

Hair follicle tests provide greater detection accuracy compared to conventional urine tests. They are more reliable, capturing extended substance use histories, which is valuable for those adhering to strict no-drug protocols.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Pioneer, LA

Hair follicle testing delivers an extensive analysis period up to 90 days. Employers gain substantial insight into the drug-use histories of potential hires or current staff, ensuring a thorough review of their substance consumption patterns.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Pioneer, LA

Hair follicle testing inherently decreases the likelihood of sample tampering, providing reliable outcomes. This method's resistance to adulteration makes it a trusted option when result integrity is paramount.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Pioneer, LA

Our nationally dispersed testing centers ensure easy access to services in Pioneer, LA. The comprehensive coverage provides each client with rapid, straightforward testing processes without unnecessary complications.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Pioneer, LA

The procedure of ordering, completing, and receiving hair test results in Pioneer is designed to be straightforward and confidential, prioritizing privacy and simplicity for all clients involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Pioneer, LA

Our competitive pricing structures combined with rapid results delivery assure organizations in Pioneer of affordable, top-quality testing services, accommodating businesses of any size efficiently.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Pioneer, LA

Pioneer's hair follicle testing leads the industry in precision, offering trustworthy results swiftly. Able to detect a wide range of substances, this method surpasses traditional tests in accuracy, making it a superior choice for both employers and individuals who need dependable results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Pioneer, LA

Utilizing hair follicle testing guarantees compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizes legal risks, and promotes a safer work environment, offering employers significant peace of mind.

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