Hair Follicle Drug Testing - St. Maurice, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as a potent method for detecting alcohol and drug consumption. The hair offers an extended timeline of drug and alcohol use by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as the hair grows. When cut near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection timeframe of up to about 90 days for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (equal in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp, provides 100mg, which is the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the hair. If scalp hair cannot be provided, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain only to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning begins with integrating a sample into the laboratory’s workflow. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and mailed, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any necessary data entry that wasn’t captured by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for suspected drug use. Though Screening is a cost-efficient means to exclude drug usage in most cases, any positive outcome requires confirmation to be legally valid. Thus, samples marked presumptively positive during Screening need further confirmation.

For samples marked as presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is prepared for Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or saliva), making hair drug testing particularly challenging among testing methodologies.

Confirmation of any positive screening is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Samples identified as presumptive positive undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire analysis process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated according to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeframe: Hair drug testing can reveal drug use over 90 days, unlike urine tests that have a shorter detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is exceedingly challenging, which enhances result accuracy.
• Tracks usage patterns: It indicates ongoing drug use patterns, rather than just recent activities.

Limitations:

• Inability to indicate recent use: Drugs typically take 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug testing is more costly than other testing approaches.
• Variability in outcomes: Certain elements like hair color and variations in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations within hair.

Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is on the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In St. Maurice, LA, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over urine tests. With superior detection accuracy, hair tests reveal previously undetected substance use patterns. Urine tests capture recent use, but hair tests provide a more comprehensive view, enhancing reliability and uncovering long-term use.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle tests in St. Maurice, LA, come with a remarkable detection window, capable of revealing drug use for up to 90 days. This extensive period furnishes employers with a detailed history of substance consumption across months, vital for informed decision-making regarding applicants and employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Significantly lowering the risk of sample alteration, hair follicle testing in St. Maurice, LA, presents a tamper-resistant solution. The integrity of the sample is maintained, yielding results that are both trustworthy and unassailable, a crucial factor for all testing undertakings.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Benefit from the convenience of widespread testing centers, inclusive of those in St. Maurice, LA. Nationwide locations ensure individuals can access services promptly and without hassle, supporting efficient and expedited testing processes.

Simple, Confidential Process

Ordering and undergoing hair follicle testing in St. Maurice, LA is a breeze. This simple process guarantees confidentiality and ease, addressing privacy concerns while delivering results promptly and efficiently, reinforcing trust and reliability.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In St. Maurice, LA, enjoy affordable pricing paired with rapid turnaround times for hair follicle testing. This competitive approach offers exceptional value, suitable for companies of varying sizes, facilitating economic yet effective drug screening solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle drug tests in St. Maurice, LA, rely on exceptional accuracy and speed, ensuring fast, reliable results. The precision of these tests allows for quick detection and monitoring of substance use, providing critical data to employers and individuals alike. This high accuracy minimizes errors, anchoring confidence in testing outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Utilizing hair follicle tests in St. Maurice, LA, helps ensure compliance with workplace drug policies, reflecting a commitment to a drug-free environment. Employers gain peace of mind, knowing they adhere to legal standards while promoting safety and reducing potential liabilities.

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