Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Westlake, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair examinations have gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol intake. Hair offers an extensive record of alcohol and drug consumption by capturing biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug usage up to nearly a three-month timeframe. It’s easy to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to send.

A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the dimension of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both initial tests and confirmatory procedures. For EtG, additional analysis, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement is recommended. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. The term head hair denotes scalp hair exclusively, whereas body hair encompasses all other forms of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The pivotal stages in processing a drug test result at the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the preliminary handling of a specimen within a laboratory’s framework. This phase confirms proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any required data input that an electronic chain of custody system doesn’t address.

Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While an economical means to negate drug usage in the majority of cases, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Any specimens deemed preliminarily positive in Screening require additional confirmation.

In cases of a presumptive positive result at the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample for further preparation in the Extraction phase. At this point, drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is notably intricate to execute.

Positive screening outcomes are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples suspected positive undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can find evidence of drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a shorter detection period.
• Challenge to evade: Evading a hair drug test is challenging, enhancing result reliability.
• Historical insight: It furnishes a history of drug usage across a timeline rather than just recent consumption.

Drawbacks:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Drugs typically become evident in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests usually cost more than other drug testing options.
• Result discrepancies: Factors like hair color and individual differences in hair growth may influence drug metabolite concentration within hair.

Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the test actually evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Westlake, LA, hair follicle drug testing excels over traditional urine tests, offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a clear picture over an extended period, unlike urine tests that cover a shorter timeframe. This method is especially beneficial for employers seeking to maintain a drug-free workplace, ensuring long-term substance abstinence detection.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Westlake, LA offers a unique advantage with its extended detection window covering up to 90 days. This capability provides employers with a comprehensive substance use history of applicants or employees, allowing for better-informed decisions about their workforce. It surpasses traditional methods in long-term drug detection efficiency.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Westlake, LA, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant method that significantly lowers the risk of sample adulteration. This reliable testing ensures results that are beyond question, offering peace of mind to employers and legal entities alike. The inherent durability of hair samples further safeguards against tampering attempts.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient nationwide testing centers, including local options in Westlake, LA, ensuring easy access to testing services. Our network supports quick and hassle-free test administration, regardless of your location, offering vital services with minimal disruption to your schedule.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Westlake, LA, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns efficiently. From ordering tests to receiving results, each step is designed for maximum ease of use. This user-friendly system aligns with the importance of safeguarding personal information at each stage.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable pricing and swift turnaround times in Westlake, LA highlight the value of hair follicle testing. Competitive rates ensure companies of all sizes benefit from reliable services without financial strain. Quick result delivery further enhances operational efficiency, supporting timely decision-making.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Westlake, LA are unmatched. They deliver highly accurate substance use detection, minimizing the chances of false positives or negatives. Results are efficiently processed, ensuring swift feedback. Employers benefit from timely, reliable data crucial for making informed hiring and retention decisions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Westlake, LA gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks while promoting a safe and productive work environment. Reliable detection measures help companies maintain policy integrity and employee trust.

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