Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Bernalillo, NM

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures lasting records of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When sampling hair close to the scalp, a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs can be achieved. Collecting hair is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and easily transported.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil), taken nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. The specimen should be weighed using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't obtainable, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. When referencing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

In the laboratory processing of a drug test result, the key phases include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system initially. This verifies the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening acts as a preliminary quick test for illicit substances, providing a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most samples. However, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples indicating presumptive positivity during Screening necessitate a further confirmation step.

Should a sample test positive during Screening, additional hair from the original sample is utilized for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains the complexity of hair drug screening as a method.

For confirming any positive Screening outcome, techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. Any samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. Every aspect of the laboratory procedure—Accessioning through Confirmation—is monitored under the guidelines of the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside ISO / IEC 17025 accreditations.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection period.
• High resistance to cheating: Hair drug tests are challenging to alter, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Offers a usage timeline: It provides a usage history over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent consumption: Drugs typically take 5-7 days to be detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be costlier than other testing methods.
• Variability in outcomes: Factors like hair color and individual growth differences can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bernalillo, NM Hair testing surpasses traditional urine analysis by offering enhanced precision and reliability. Its extended detection window outperforms urine tests, providing a thorough overview of an individual's drug history.

• Increased detection accuracy.
• Less susceptible to short-term lifestyle alterations.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Bernalillo, NM The most notable trait of hair follicle testing is its ability to identify drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended detection capability ensures that employers receive a comprehensive insight into an individual's long-term substance history.

• Long-term detection of previous drug use.
• Ensures a broadened view of drug habits.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bernalillo, NM Hair follicle drug tests offer an unbeatable advantage by minimizing the risk of adulteration. This method's inherent resistance to tampering ensures that results are both genuine and indefeasible.

• Adulteration-proof sample collection.
• Reliable and unquestioned outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bernalillo, NM Our extensive network assures swift and straightforward access to testing facilities. Conveniently located centers guarantee availability wherever you are.

• Effortless access to numerous testing sites.
• Hassle-free and expedient service.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Bernalillo, NM The process for ordering and conducting a hair follicle test is designed with confidentiality and simplicity in mind. Privacy assurance is paramount throughout the steps of preparation, testing, and results reporting.

• Streamlined, discreet procedure.
• Guarantee of confidentiality throughout.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bernalillo, NM We provide competitive pricing models and rapid response times without compromising on quality. This ensures exceptional value for businesses seeking comprehensive testing solutions.

• Cost-effective options without quality compromise.
• Quick and efficient processing times.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bernalillo, NM Hair follicle testing delivers quick and dependable outcomes that are pivotal for efficient decision-making. The testing method identifies even the smallest traces of drugs, ensuring accuracy unmatched by alternative methods.

• Speedy results without sacrificing accuracy.
• Precision in detecting recent and past substance use.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bernalillo, NM Utilizing hair follicle testing supports adherence to drug-free workplace regulations. This reduces potential legal concerns and fosters a safe, productive professional environment.

• Ensures legal compliance.
• Promotes a drug-free workplace culture.

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