Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Shreveport, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is regarded as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged historical record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. A sample collected near the scalp can offer an estimation of up to a three-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other drugs. This method is straightforward to collect, resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch length of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp yields around 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation processes. For extended panels over 10, as well as EtG or additional tests, 150mg of the hair sample is advisable. It's recommended to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, an equally-sized sample of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, it refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes any other types like facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result consists of four critical stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is processed into the lab’s system. It involves confirming that the sample was securely sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary manual data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening acts as a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. While it's a budget-friendly approach to rule out drug use in most samples, any positive findings from Screening require confirmation for legal validity. Samples that test positive in Screening need further confirmation.

For samples that test positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. At this stage, the drugs are extracted from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than found in other test methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), which explains why hair drug testing is particularly challenging to conduct.

Confirmation of positive Screening results is accomplished through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation, if necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) standards for Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter timeframe.
• Resistance to manipulation: Hair drug tests are tough to cheat, rendering results more reliable.
• Historical record provision: They show patterns of drug usage over time, rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Drugs take around 5-7 days before being detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other types of drug tests.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and individual growth rates can influence the concentration of drug markers in the hair.

Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle located beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Testing Surpasses Urine Tests
When comparing drug test methods in Shreveport, LA, hair follicle assessments stand out due to their superior detection range and reliability. Unlike conventional urine tests, hair samples reveal a broader picture of substance use, covering weeks instead of mere days, enhancing the decision-making process for businesses.

Besides the extended detection period, hair testing boasts unparalleled accuracy. It minimizes the chance for inaccuracies common with urine testing, ensuring results that employers and legal entities can trust, thereby fostering a more secure and compliant environment.

Extended Detection Window

Prolonged Detection Time Frame
In Shreveport, LA, hair follicle drug tests are valued for their ability to uncover drug use history extending up to 90 days. This prolonged window gives recruiters a detailed understanding of an individual's substance use history, aiding in better-informed hiring decisions that promote clean living over time.

By opting for hair testing, organizations gain insights unavailable from shorter detection methods. Understanding this broader history empowers companies to uphold standards and ensure applicants align with organizational policies prioritizing safety and responsibility.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Robust Against Sample Adulteration
Hair follicle testing in Shreveport, LA, offers enhanced integrity by significantly diminishing the risk of sample tampering. The natural features of hair ensure consistent, uninterrupted results, which helps shore up confidence in the testing outcomes.

The process of collecting and analyzing hair samples is designed to withstand manipulation attempts common in other testing forms. This robustness makes it the preferred choice for organizations seeking irrefutable evidence of a subject's drug usage history, reinforcing trustworthy testing practices.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accessible Testing Services Nationwide
With a broad network of testing centers across Shreveport, LA, and the nation, obtaining a test is seamless and straightforward. Our locations offer reliable and prompt services without the hassles that often accompany these procedures.

Local centers streamline the testing process, reducing time and effort for clients seeking timely access to critical services. This convenience ensures that necessary tests fit easily into even the busiest schedules, making compliance straightforward and efficient.

Simple, Confidential Process

Confidential and Easy Test Process
Ensuring privacy and ease, the hair follicle testing protocol in Shreveport, LA, is designed for straightforward participation. Clients can trust this private process to deliver results without compromising confidentiality at any stage.

From scheduling the test to receiving results, the entire process is crafted with simplicity and discretion in mind. Individuals can navigate the testing journey with confidence, assured that their privacy is respected and their results are handled with the utmost care and professionalism.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive Pricing and Swift Results
Shreveport, LA, boasts hair follicle testing services that combine affordability with prompt result delivery, allowing companies of all sizes to make informed decisions. Businesses value the balance of cost-effectiveness and rapid feedback.

Our pricing structure ensures high-quality testing without surpassing budget limits. Quick result turnaround is an added advantage, equipping businesses with vital information needed to maintain standards and uphold policies effectively.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Quick, Precise, and Trustworthy Outcomes
In Shreveport, LA, hair follicle drug testing offers a blend of speed and precision, ensuring dependable results in detecting substance use. The accuracy of these tests in identifying drugs sets them apart, providing assurance to both individuals and organizations seeking clarity on drug use patterns.

The quick turnaround time of hair analysis is a standout feature. By leveraging advanced technology, these tests not only deliver fast feedback but also maintain a high degree of reliability, capturing even minimal traces of substance use that might elude other methods.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Assurance and Compliance for Employers
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Shreveport, LA, aids companies in maintaining adherence to drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks while enhancing workplace safety. Employers experience the dual advantage of regulatory compliance and the creation of a healthier environment.

With hair testing, businesses assure stakeholders of their commitment to integrity and safety. This structured approach forms the backbone of organizational policies that support a drug-free work culture and offer peace of mind to employers focused on maintaining a spotless reputation.

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