Hair Follicle Drug Testing - St. James, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as a formidable method for detecting alcohol and drug usage. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of growing hair strands, it offers a longer-term account of substance use. When cut near the scalp, hair can indicate alcohol and drug consumption for up to a 90-day period. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of nearly 200 hairs (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp equals 100mg, the perfect amount for preliminary and confirmatory testing. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels exceeding ten, 150mg is preferable. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair isn’t an option, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be taken. When we mention head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial or axillary hair).

Process Overview

The core procedures involved in the lab processing of drug tests are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning requires entering a sample into a lab’s management system, ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and delivered, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and adding any missing data not included in an electronic chain of custody.

Screening provides an initial expedient evaluation for drugs. Although Screening is a cost-effective means to dismiss drug presence in many samples, a conclusive result needs further verification to stand in court. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening need additional confirmation.

In the event of a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly reduced concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging procedure.

Confirmation for positive screens is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample is cleaned if necessary before confirmation. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeframe: Hair tests can reveal drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with shorter windows.
• High integrity: It's exceedingly challenging to falsify a hair drug test, yielding more reliable results.
• Historical pattern: It demonstrates drug usage tendencies over time, not just recent activity.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect immediate use: It typically takes 5-7 days for substances to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally cost more than alternative testing approaches.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual differences in hair growth may influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", these tests evaluate the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in St. James, LA, can be evidenced by its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair testing ensures results that are difficult to skew. Employers choosing hair follicle tests benefit from a more comprehensive understanding of substance use, reinforcing workplace policies effectively.

Extended Detection Window

One key advantage of hair follicle testing in St. James, LA, is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This provides a more detailed view of an individual's substance history, ideal for employers who require insights into an applicant or employee's long-term drug use patterns.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistance is a critical feature of hair follicle tests in St. James, LA, offering a significant reduction in sample adulteration risk. This method delivers reliable and unquestionable results, making it an appealing choice for employers and authorities who seek foolproof drug testing options.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With convenient testing centers nationwide, including facilities in St. James, LA, accessing hair follicle testing is simple and stress-free. Our widespread network ensures easy access for individuals and companies, facilitating quick and efficient testing services no matter your location.

Simple, Confidential Process

Experience a simple and confidential testing process in St. James, LA. From ordering to obtaining results, the process is designed to prioritize privacy and ease of use. Clients can trust that their personal information is handled with utmost confidentiality and professionalism.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

We offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing in St. James, LA. Our competitive pricing structures ensure excellent value for companies of all sizes. Clients benefit from high-quality testing services that deliver timely results, bringing peace of mind and efficiency to the drug testing process.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing in St. James, LA, make it a reliable choice for detecting substance use. Results from hair tests are known for their high accuracy, giving employers and individuals the confidence they need. The process offers not only quick turnaround times but also dependable results that reflect true substance usage history.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Utilizing hair follicle testing brings compliance and peace of mind for employers in St. James, LA. It supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies and minimizes legal risks. By enhancing safety protocols, businesses can confidently demonstrate their commitment to a secure working environment.

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