In Westwego, Louisiana, Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug assessments. If you're in need of a hair drug or alcohol examination, our specialty in hair testing ensures numerous nationwide facilities available for your needs. Typically, a hair sample of 1.5 to 2 inches from the crown or body suffices. Tests can check for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored options.
Over recent years, the preference for drug testing methods has leaned towards hair follicle analysis. Employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse experts often favor hair tests over traditional urine assessments. These tests serve employers with zero-tolerance policies, judicial authorities, and those on probation. A key advantage is the extended detection period, often covering up to 90 days, with an observed collection process that reduces tampering. Meanwhile, for screening recent (within 5 days) drug use, urine tests still offer superior accuracy.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair acts as a repository for long-term drug and alcohol evidence by embedding markers within the strands as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use up to a roughly three-month period. Collecting hair is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and the strands are easy to dispatch.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands (similar to a #2 pencil in size) near the scalp weighs about 100mg, which is ideal for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or more than 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair isn’t obtainable, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. Scalp hair refers specifically to hair from the scalp. Body hair includes other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The core steps in the lab procedure for a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails initiating the sample’s process into a lab's framework. This step involves ensuring the sample’s proper sealing and dispatch, random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) assignment, and completing any missing data not submitted via an electronic custody chain.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Though cost-efficient for excluding drug use in many samples, a positive screening result must be corroborated for legal acceptability. Samples exhibiting presumptive positivity in Screening need secondary confirmation.
For samples testing positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample for Extraction. This phase involves isolating drugs at significantly lower concentrations than typical methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), thus making hair drug screening the most intricate methodology.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is conducted utilising GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positivity undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests", these tests actually examine the hair strand, not the follicle under the skin.
Hair follicle testing in Westwego, LA, provides distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Superior detection accuracy sets hair testing apart, as it can identify substance use that might be missed by urine tests. This enhanced precision means that whether you're an employer or an individual, you can have confidence in the reliability of hair follicle testing.
Addressing the benefits of hair versus urine testing, one cannot ignore the broader detection window offered by hair tests. Employers, courts, and substance abuse professionals increasingly opt for hair tests, given their ability to reveal long-term patterns of substance use. In contrast, urine tests may only offer a snapshot, leaving gaps in understanding an individual's substance history.
In Westwego, LA, hair follicle testing stands out for its extended detection window, capable of identifying substance use for up to 90 days. This advantage makes it an invaluable tool for employers seeking comprehensive insight into an individual's drug use history. The ability to detect long-term use provides a clearer picture of an applicant's or employee's behavior over time.
Employers benefit significantly from the long detection period afforded by hair testing. This window allows for an in-depth review of a candidate's past choices regarding substance use, offering a more thorough evaluation than other testing methods. In Westwego, LA, knowing an individual's substance history allows for informed hiring and management decisions, reinforcing workplace safety.
Hair follicle drug testing in Westwego, LA, is celebrated for its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other methods, hair tests reduce the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring outcomes are trustworthy and consistent. This reliability is crucial, especially in settings where the integrity of test results is paramount.
The robust nature of hair follicle testing dramatically minimizes the chance for manipulation or tampering. In Westwego, LA, individuals and organizations that prioritize genuine results turn to hair testing for its ability to deliver conclusive and reliable evidence of substance use, making it a preferred choice in many scenarios.
With convenient testing centers nationwide and locally in Westwego, LA, accessing drug testing services has never been easier. Our extensive network ensures that individuals and companies can effortlessly find and utilize our facilities, providing seamless access to dependable testing solutions.
The expansive reach of our testing centers means that no part of Westwego, LA, lacks elite access to professional screening services. This availability is key in maintaining efficiency and ease of access for those needing immediate and quality testing.
Ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle drug test results in Westwego, LA, is a simple and confidential process. By ensuring privacy and ease of use, all parties can participate in testing with confidence. Our process is designed to uphold the highest standards of discretion, crucial in drug testing.
In Westwego, LA, individuals and employers can count on a streamlined, confidential process when it comes to drug testing. From initiation to receiving results, every step is managed with the utmost privacy in mind, providing assurance and peace of mind through sensible procedures.
Our hair follicle testing services in Westwego, LA, boast affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times. This combination ensures excellent value, making our services accessible and beneficial to businesses of all sizes. Quick results paired with competitive costs provide great comfort for companies monitoring compliance.
Competitive rates and prompt results highlight our commitment to providing quality testing in Westwego, LA. The affordability of hair follicle testing ensures that businesses maintain a drug-free environment without financial strain, promoting a healthy workplace at reasonable costs.
The hair follicle testing method in Westwego, LA, guarantees precise, fast, and accurate results. This testing approach is lauded for its reliability in detecting drug and alcohol use over an extended period. With results that are both rapid and detailed, those requiring testing can trust the efficiency of hair follicle tests for swift and dependable outcomes.
The speed at which hair follicle drug tests produce results is crucial for many employers and individuals alike. This method stands out for its accuracy, making it the go-to choice for those who prioritize precision and timeliness in drug testing. In Westwego, LA, the emphasis on quick results does not come at the expense of reliability, ensuring both aspects are delivered consistently.
Employers in Westwego, LA, find significant benefit in hair follicle testing as it aligns with workplace compliance mandates. Using this testing method ensures adherence to drug-free policies, reducing legal risks and promoting a safer work environment. This compliance leads to enhanced peace of mind for employers.
The rigorous standards of hair testing help mitigate potential legal challenges related to workplace substance policies. In Westwego, LA, these tests act as a safeguard, fostering a culture of accountability and safety, which is invaluable for both small businesses and large corporations alike.
