Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Powhatan, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a chronicling of alcohol and substances by encasing biomarkers within the hair's fibrous structure as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, it can reveal substance use within a span of up to three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for shipping.

A 1.5-inch cut of roughly 200 hair strands (approximating the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for diagnostic and confirmatory analysis. For EtG, supplementary evaluations, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's recommended to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be gathered. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The key procedures in lab processing for a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning starts with the sample's entry into a lab system. It comprises verifying correct sample sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data required not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails a preliminary check for narcotics. Though Screening is cost-effective for eliminating drug use in most cases, a positive screen needs corroboration for legal admissibility. Any samples testing positive require further confirmation.

If a sample tests positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from hair at concentrations much lower than in other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids); hence, hair drug screening is notably complex.

Confirmation of a positive screen is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmatory testing as necessary. The comprehensive lab protocol from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can uncover drug usage up to 90 days prior, whereas urine tests have a briefer detection span.
• High resistance to falsification: It is extremely challenging to falsify a hair drug test, enhancing result authenticity.
• Reveals historical consumption data: The test highlights a pattern of drug use over time, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent usage: Drug presence in hair becomes detectable only after 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug testing tends to be pricier than alternative drug testing approaches.
• Result discrepancies: Variables like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the examination itself involves hair strands rather than the scalp-contained follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Powhatan, LA

In Powhatan, LA, hair follicle tests shine over urine tests by offering superior detection and reliability. While urine tests may miss long-term drug use, hair testing provides a broader detection span, ensuring a more complete assessment of an individual’s substance usage history.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Powhatan, LA

Hair follicle testing in Powhatan offers an extensive detection window, covering up to 90 days of substance history. This long range offers employers a detailed view of an individual's substance use, beyond the capabilities of urine tests, making it a preferred choice for thorough evaluations.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Powhatan, LA

Powhatan’s hair follicle tests are lauded for their tamper-resistant nature, sharply reducing sample adulteration risks. This ensures trustworthy and unquestionable outcomes, a significant advancement over traditional testing methods prone to manipulation.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Powhatan, LA

The convenience of Accredited Drug Testing’s nationwide and local centers in Powhatan ensures easy access to testing services. This broad network provides rapid, hassle-free solutions for individuals and companies seeking reliable testing options.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Powhatan, LA

The process for hair follicle testing in Powhatan is straightforward and private. From ordering to receiving results, the method respects confidentiality, ensuring that privacy concerns are minimized while maintaining an effortless user experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Powhatan, LA

Accredited Drug Testing in Powhatan offers competitive pricing and swift turnaround times for hair follicle tests. These factors provide excellent value, accommodating companies of all sizes seeking efficient and budget-friendly testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Powhatan, LA

Hair follicle tests in Powhatan are renowned for their fast and precise results. These tests excel in detecting substance use with remarkable accuracy. By analyzing hair samples, they identify a wide range of substances, giving peace of mind with reliable outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Powhatan, LA

Employers in Powhatan who adopt hair follicle testing benefit from enhanced compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This proactive approach minimizes legal exposure and bolsters workplace safety, providing peace of mind for business owners.

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