Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Warnerton, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now seen as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair strands capture biomarkers over time in the fibrous material of the growing hair, offering a long-term record of substance ingestion. When collected from the scalp, hair samples could offer up to about a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to send.

A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, considered the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, extra options, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair types (including facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This stage includes verifying that the sample was adequately sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves an initial assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-effective means to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screening result must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples that appear presumptively positive during Screening require a subsequent confirmation.

Should a sample register as presumptively positive during the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is considered the most challenging methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive Screening result is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that appear presumptively positive are thoroughly washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests are capable of identifying drug usage up to 90 days, whereas urine tests generally have a more limited timeframe.
• Resistant to tampering: Hair drug tests are very challenging to manipulate, enhancing result accuracy.
• Tracks usage history: It offers a longitudinal pattern of drug consumption, not merely immediate usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent usage: Drugs require about 5-7 days to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically entail higher costs than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and personal hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test actually evaluates the hair strand, not the underlying follicle of the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Warnerton, LA
In Warnerton, LA, the advantages of hair follicle tests over urine tests are clear. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability, making them a preferred choice for many. Their ability to detect substances over a longer period adds value, giving insights that traditional urine tests can't match.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Warnerton, LA
Hair follicle testing in Warnerton, LA provides a broad detection window, identifying drug use up to 90 days back. This extensive timeline allows employers to gain a detailed view of an individual's substance use history, aiding in informed hiring and management decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Warnerton, LA
Hair follicle tests in Warnerton, LA significantly reduce the risk of sample tampering. This robust method ensures the reliability and authenticity of results, making it an essential tool for environments where test integrity is paramount.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Warnerton, LA
Our testing centers are spread nationwide, including locations in Warnerton, LA, ensuring convenient access to our services. This widespread presence allows individuals and businesses to quickly obtain the necessary tests, without hassle or delay.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Warnerton, LA
In Warnerton, LA, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease of use, assuaging concerns about discretion and convenience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Warnerton, LA
Warnerton, LA offers competitive pricing and swift turnaround times for hair follicle testing. These factors ensure excellent value for businesses of all sizes, providing peace of mind with rapid and cost-effective service.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Warnerton, LA
Hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision and swift delivery of results. In Warnerton, LA, these tests provide high accuracy, making them an indispensable tool for detecting substance use. Employers and individuals benefit from the dependability and quick turnaround, ensuring timely and informed decision-making.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Warnerton, LA
For employers in Warnerton, LA, hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This testing method mitigates legal risks and enhances workplace safety, providing peace of mind in maintaining a compliant and secure environment.

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