Hair Follicle Drug Testing - New Mexico

Accredited Drug Testing has 121 hair drug testing centers in 590 NM cities.

Please select a city from the list below to find hair drug test centers in New Mexico.

Hair drug testing, sometimes called hair follicle drug testing, is a scientific approach used to identify drug use by studying hair samples.

How it works:

• Drug enters bloodstream: Once drugs are consumed, the substance, along with its metabolites (byproducts of breakdown), makes its way into the bloodstream.
• Drugs reach hair follicles: Since every hair follicle is supplied by a blood vessel, these drugs are transported from the blood into the hair follicle.
• Drugs get trapped in hair: As hair develops, trace amounts of these chemicals are deposited in the hair strand's cortex.
• Hair sample collection: A portion of hair is gathered, typically from the head (or body hair if there is not enough head hair).
• Lab analysis: The collected hair sample is forwarded to a lab for testing.
  • Screening: An initial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test is used to screen for drug metabolites.
  • Confirmation: Should the ELISA test indicate positive results, a more specific confirmation test, like Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) or Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), is used to verify the presence of drug metabolites and to eliminate false positives.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for a duration of up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a more limited detection period.
• Difficulty to cheat: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely challenging, thus, the results tend to be more reliable.
• Provides historical data: It can show a record of drug use over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: It generally takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Cost: Hair drug tests are usually pricier than alternative drug testing methods.
• Variations in results: Elements like hair color and differences in personal hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites within the hair.

Note: Though described as "hair follicle tests", the examination actually focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Mobile/On-Site Drug Testing

If you're an employer needing to test 25 or more employees and looking to save time and money, we offer mobile on-site drug testing where we come to you. Call us today for more information.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in New Mexico

Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed. In New Mexico, our tests deliver fast and accurate results, usually within just a few days, which helps employers make timely decisions.

The high accuracy of hair follicle drug tests minimizes the risk of false positives, providing a trustworthy basis for employment or forensic assessments. This reliability is crucial for maintaining trust in the testing process.

Extended Detection Window in New Mexico

Our hair follicle testing services in New Mexico provide an extended detection window of up to 90 days, significantly longer than other testing methods. This period allows for a comprehensive view of a person’s drug use history.

Employers in New Mexico use this broad detection capability to make informed hiring and management decisions. It ensures that drug-free policies are adhered to, maintaining safety and compliance standards effectively.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in New Mexico

Hair follicle testing is inherently tamper-resistant, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This robustness ensures reliable results, critical for maintaining confidence in drug testing processes.

In New Mexico, this tamper-proof nature of hair testing aids employers in ensuring that all test results are reliable and reflective of true substance use behavior, enhancing overall workplace integrity.

Why is Hair Follicle Drug Testing Important

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Other Forms of Testing in New Mexico

Hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to other forms such as URINE tests. It can detect drug use over a longer period, making it ideal for employers seeking comprehensive screening solutions.

The non-invasive nature of hair testing offers a quick and efficient process, enhancing both convenience and comfort for individuals and organizations. Detection windows extend up to 90 days, ensuring more reliable results than URINE testing.

Unlike URINE tests, hair follicle testing is less prone to tampering and provides more accurate historical data of drug use, making it a preferred choice in New Mexico's diverse workforce. Employers gain peace of mind with dependable assessments.

In summary, hair follicle testing provides enhanced accuracy, longer detection periods, and a user-friendly experience, presenting itself as a superior solution to drug testing needs, offering benefits beyond conventional URINE tests.