Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Pleasure Bend, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of substances by embedding biomarkers within its structure as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug usage over up to a 90-day period. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to deliver.

Obtaining a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation steps. For testing of EtG, add-ons, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen amount of 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be collected, equivalent body hair should be gathered instead. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

There are four critical stages in processing a drug test result within the laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step, where a sample is entered into the laboratory's records. This step confirms that the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and supplements any missing data that the electronic chain of custody system has not provided.

Screening offers a preliminary assessment to identify substances of abuse. Though it provides a cost-efficient means to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive findings from Screening necessitate further validation before being deemed legally permissible. Those samples indicating a positive result during Screening must undergo additional confirmation testing.

When a specimen shows a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for further processing in Extraction. At this stage, substances are isolated from the hair at far reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of performing hair drug testing.

Any positive results from Screening undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as required. Every stage, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is scrutinized in alignment with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 protocols.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection duration: Hair drug testing can reveal drug use extending up to 90 days, surpassing the shorter detection range of urine tests.
• High security against tampering: The accuracy of hair drug testing is enhanced by its resistance to cheating.
• Tracks usage patterns: It identifies drug use trends over time, offering more than just recent usage insights.

Limitations:

• Fails to detect new use quickly: Drugs become traceable in hair only after 5-7 days.
• Expense: Compared to other drug testing methods, hair tests typically incur higher costs.
• Result variability: Aspects such as the color of hair and individual hair growth rates can influence drug metabolite levels.

Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis evaluates the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Pleasure Bend, LA, when it comes to choosing between hair follicle and urine drug testing, the former clearly stands superior. Hair testing provides superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. Its extensive detection window and resistance to tampering offer a dependable solution for employers looking to enforce strict drug-free workplace policies, making it a clear choice over urine.

Extended Detection Window

In Pleasure Bend, LA, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window that is one of its most compelling advantages. It can track substance use up to 90 days, providing employers with a comprehensive history of an employee's or applicant's drug use. This long-term view is invaluable for making informed hiring decisions and maintaining workplace safety standards, surpassing what shorter-duration tests can offer.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Pleasure Bend, LA, the hair follicle test stands out as a tamper-resistant testing method. Its design significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that results are reliable and unquestionable. Employers can trust the integrity of the hair test, as the ability to manipulate results is virtually eliminated, providing peace of mind and assurance in maintaining a drug-free environment.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Pleasure Bend, LA, convenient nationwide testing locations are a hallmark of our service. With our extensive network of testing centers, accessing hair follicle drug testing is quick, easy, and hassle-free. Whether you're in the heart of Pleasure Bend or beyond, our facilities are strategically located to ensure you receive timely and efficient testing services, eliminating the stress often associated with scheduling tests.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Pleasure Bend, LA, our testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test, and finally to receiving results, every step is designed to be straightforward, addressing any privacy concerns. This ease of use ensures that individuals feel comfortable participating in the testing process, knowing their information is secure and handled with the utmost discretion.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

For companies in Pleasure Bend, LA, hair follicle testing services offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround. Our competitive pricing structures are designed to provide excellent value for businesses of all sizes, without compromising on quality. Coupled with quick turnaround times for results, this ensures companies can efficiently maintain their drug-free policies without breaking the bank.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Pleasure Bend, LA, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. Their precision in identifying substance use is unmatched, providing high accuracy that ensures trustworthy outcomes every time. The expedient nature of hair tests means results are delivered promptly, serving urgent needs effectively and efficiently. This speed and accuracy make them a preferred choice for thorough drug screenings.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Pleasure Bend, LA, hair follicle testing offers compliance and peace of mind. Utilizing this method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, effectively reducing legal risks. It bolsters workplace safety by providing a consistent and reliable testing framework, which reinforces the company’s commitment to a secure and healthy work environment, all while ensuring peace of mind for employers.

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What's New In Hair Follicle Drug Testing according to the Hair Drug Testing Experts

With its multidisciplinary nature, hair testing brings together researchers, scientists, and experts from various domains to develop innovative techniques, explore new methodologies, and address emerging concerns, responding to the ever-evolving challenges of drug abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring, and environmental exposures to pollutants.

The joint meeting of the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) and the Italian Group of Forensic Toxicologists (GTFI) was organized in Verona, June 8–10, 2022, and hosted by the Legal Medicine team of the Verona University Hospital, directed by Franco Tagliaro together with Federica Bortolotti and Rossella Gottardo.

It served as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, facilitating groundbreaking advancements in hair testing and analysis. In this special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, we aim to showcase the remarkable manuscripts presented at this significant event, shedding light on the latest research and highlighting the future directions in this field.

Novel Analytical Techniques: The Verona meeting witnessed the unveiling of cutting-edge analytical techniques, offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy for drug testing. Remarkable advancements in sample preparation, detection, and identification of drug compounds have been presented. The manuscripts in this section presented novel approaches, such as multianalyte methods and on-line preparation which can enable rapid analysis and improve thorough forensic investigations.

Biomarkers and Pharmacokinetics: The identification and validation of reliable biomarkers and pharmacokinetic studies are fundamental aspects of drug testing and analysis. The impact of hair treatments on the oxidation/decomposition of drugs in hair was also explored, as the long-term fate of drugs incorporated in the keratin matrix. Furthermore, the SoHT meeting in Verona featured research on the identification and quantification of alcohol abuse biomarkers, their stability, and their correlation with exposure and other biomarkers.

Forensic Applications and Interpretation: One of the vital objectives of hair testing is its application in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. The SoHT meeting in Verona emphasized the significance of rigorous interpretation of analytical results and the need for standardized protocols. Manuscripts in this section present advancements in forensic toxicology, and have explored the challenges posed by emerging designer drugs and strategies to combat their proliferation. The pitfalls encountered when the exogenous/endogenous nature of a substance is questioned were presented and discussed. The special issue presents also manuscripts that delve into the ethical implications of drug testing in drug facilitated sexual assaults.

Clinical Applications of hair testing are witnessed by the insight on environmental tobacco smoke exposure, assessed by hair analysis in a population of students and the study of in utero-exposure to drugs of abuse through neonatal hair analysis. Exposure to drugs was also important in cases of child abuse/neglect, when the clinical purpose of hair testing merge with its forensic applications.

The legal framework surrounding hair testing and the achievement of guidelines to ensure fairness, accuracy, and confidentiality in drug testing practices have also been discussed,and the SoHT consensus on general hair testing and testing for drugs of abuse was presented at the meeting and published as a Letter to the Editor.

In conclusion, the special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, featuring manuscripts from the SoHT–GTFI meeting in Verona 2022, reflects the remarkable advancements achieved in this field. The manuscripts provide valuable insights into novel analytical techniques, biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, forensic applications, and ethical considerations. As we embrace these advancements, we pave the way for a safer, healthier society, where drug testing and analysis serve as powerful tools in protecting public health and maintaining integrity in various sectors. The research presented in this special issue will undoubtedly shape the future of drug testing and analysis, fostering collaboration and inspiring further innovation in this crucial area of scientific inquiry.

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