Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Raymond, NH

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol intake. Through its fibers, hair captures long-term drug and alcohol history by preserving biomarkers in the hair's structure. With samples taken near the scalp, hair can offer an estimated 3-month timeframe for detecting these substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.

An ideal sample requires a 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, delivering 100mg of hair for effective screening and validation. For tests involving EtG, additional factors, and/or panels over 10, a sample size of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair cannot be gathered, a matching quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types like facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

The drug test processing in the lab involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning focuses on the initial sample processing within the lab's system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any outstanding data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails a quick initial scan for substances of abuse. Screening is cost-effective for excluding drug use in many samples; however, any positive results require verification to be court-eligible. Samples that test positive preliminarily need secondary confirmation.

When a sample is initially positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the specimen for the Extraction process. This involves obtaining drugs from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), explaining the complexity of hair drug screening.

Positive screening confirmations are performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive samples undergo a wash prior to confirmation if required. The comprehensive procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair directive and validates ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests identify drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which offer shorter timeframes.
• High resistance to tampering: Cheating a hair drug test is notably challenging, enhancing result reliability.
• Captures usage history: It reveals a timeline of drug use over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: It takes between 5-7 days for drugs to be identifiable using hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests usually incur higher costs than other testing approaches.
• Result variability: Hair color and growth rate differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations.

Note: While known as "hair follicle tests", the examination focusses on the hair strand, not the sub-scalp follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle and urine tests in Raymond, NH, hair testing offers superior detection accuracy. Hair tests deliver more reliable results, tracing drug use over a longer period. The method minimizes false negatives and ensures a comprehensive assessment, making it a preferred choice among those seeking detailed substance use histories.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Raymond, NH provides an extended detection window, capturing substance use history for up to 90 days. This long-term perspective offers employers valuable insights into the drug use patterns of candidates or employees, facilitating better-informed decisions based on comprehensive data.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Raymond, NH, hair follicle testing is known for its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other testing methods, the risk of sample adulteration is significantly reduced, ensuring that the results are both reliable and trustworthy. This characteristic makes hair testing an effective option for accurate workplace drug monitoring.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With nationwide testing centers, including in Raymond, NH, accessing hair follicle testing is both quick and straightforward. This extensive network ensures hassle-free access to testing services, accommodating the needs of individuals and businesses across various locations without inconvenience.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Raymond, NH is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, each step is designed to protect user privacy and streamline the experience. Concerns about confidentiality are addressed, providing an efficient and discreet service.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Raymond, NH, our hair follicle testing services offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround. The competitive pricing ensures excellent value, while quick result delivery benefits businesses of all sizes, reinforcing our commitment to both quality and cost-effectiveness in drug testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Raymond, NH, hair follicle drug tests are praised for their speed and accuracy. Unlike traditional methods, these tests rapidly identify substance use, delivering reliable and fast results. The precision in detection ensures that decisions regarding employee health and safety are based on accurate information, offering peace of mind to businesses and individuals alike.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Raymond, NH, using hair follicle testing helps enforce drug-free policies, reducing legal risks and enhancing safety. By ensuring compliance, companies not only safeguard their work environment but also gain peace of mind knowing they are adhering to regulatory standards effectively.

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