Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended timeline of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and other substances. Collection of hair is straightforward, tampering with it is relatively challenging, and it is easy to transport.
A section measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, it is advised to collect 150mg of hair. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair cannot be sourced, a similar volume of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, it specifically implies scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in processing a drug test result in a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the first-stage processing of a sample upon entering the laboratory's system. This step includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any further data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drug use. Although Screening is cost-effective for eliminating drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal acceptance. Samples that are presumably positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample results in a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is gathered from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at far lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), hence hair drug testing presents as the most challenging technique to perform.
Confirmation of any results that are positive during screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positive specimens are cleaned as necessary before confirmation. The overall lab procedures from Accessioning to Confirmation are reviewed and comply with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the skin
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Adelino, NM When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine analyses, the former shines as a superior option, offering better detection accuracy. The reliability of hair tests lies in their ability to provide a more comprehensive overview of substance use history.
Employers value hair tests for their extended detection window, surpassing the limitations seen with urine tests. This enhanced window allows for a more detailed insight, often covering up to 90 days of substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Adelino, NM Hair follicle testing offers a significantly prolonged detection timeline, reaching up to 90 days. This feature provides employers and other stakeholders with a wider lens through which to evaluate an individual's substance use history.
This extensive timeframe offers a more complete view of past usage patterns, assisting in decision-making processes regarding employment and legal matters, ensuring a better understanding of long-term habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Adelino, NM One significant advantage of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering, ensuring sample integrity. By significantly reducing the chances of adulteration, these tests offer solid reliability of results.
The immutable nature of hair samples means they offer a reliable resource for accurate testing, protecting against attempts to influence outcomes and providing confidence in the results obtained.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Adelino, NM Our testing centers, located conveniently across the nation, ensure quick, hassle-free access. In Adelino, NM, individuals enjoy local options designed for ease of testing.
Whether across the country or right around the corner, our facilities offer both accessibility and comfort, making the testing process as stress-free as possible for all involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Adelino, NM Ordering and taking hair follicle tests is a breeze, with a straightforward process designed to prioritize confidentiality. With an accessible and private approach, users study from doubting the protection of their personal data.
Clear instructions and a seamless system ensure that from the initial sign-up to receiving results, the entire process maintains the privacy and simple nature it promises.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Adelino, NM Our competitive pricing structure ensures that businesses of all sizes can access top-tier hair follicle tests without breaking the budget. Coupled with our fast turnaround times, we offer excellent value to all clients.
Quick and reliable processing ensures that users receive results promptly, maintaining cost-effectiveness alongside premium service quality and efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Adelino, NM Hair follicle drug tests deliver unmatched precision and speed, accentuating their high success in detecting substance use. Employers can trust the quick turnaround and detailed insights provided by these tests, ensuring a speedy overview of any individual's history.
With accuracy at the forefront, hair testing stands as a pinnacle of reliability, ensuring results are consistent and trustworthy. The expedited process ensures results are prompt, allowing employers to make informed decisions swiftly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Adelino, NM Utilizing hair follicle testing aligns with maintaining a drug-free workplace, supporting compliance with corporate policies. This adherence greatly minimizes legal risks while promoting safety in the workplace.
Employers can rest easy, knowing these tests provide comprehensive data, supporting informed decisions, and helping maintain a safe, compliant operating environment.