Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair drug screening is highly regarded for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of substance use by capturing biomarker traces within the fibers of the strand. When collected close to the scalp, it can offer up to a three-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch sample of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or over 10-panel tests, 150mg is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be absent, a similar amount of body hair may be gathered. By head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair refers to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial intake of a sample into the lab’s system. It involves checking that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial check for drugs. Though Screening is a cost-effective means to dismiss drug use on most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
If Screening suggests a presumptive positive, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are drawn from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging to perform.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", the examination actually assesses the hair strand, not the scalp follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bingham, NM: Hair follicle tests excel over traditional urine tests by offering superior detection and reliability. Their extended detection window effectively tracks drug use history, unlike urine tests, which cover shorter spans. Hair testing ensures greater accuracy, reducing the risk of false negatives, thus proving essential for robust substance abuse monitoring.
Extended Detection Window in Bingham, NM: With the capability to detect drug use over up to 90 days, hair follicle testing provides employers a comprehensive perspective of an employee's drug history. This extended window surpasses traditional testing, offering detailed insights and empowering informed decisions about potential and current employees, fostering a safer, more transparent workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Methods in Bingham, NM: Hair follicle tests significantly reduce risks associated with sample adulteration. These tests offer reliable and unquestionable outcomes, crucial for maintaining test integrity. By minimizing opportunities for tampering, hair analysis ensures the accuracy and trustworthiness of results, reinforcing a commitment to honesty in testing procedures.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bingham, NM: Our extensive network of test centers nationwide guarantees swift, hassle-free service. Accessible facilities in Bingham and beyond mean employees and employers can easily find a center, minimizing downtime and ensuring tests are done with maximum efficiency, providing seamless support for workplace needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bingham, NM: The process of hair follicle testing is straightforward and respects privacy. Ordering, testing, and receiving results are streamlined to ensure ease of use while maintaining confidentiality. This secure approach ensures that all parties are comfortable and informed, promoting trust in the testing system without complicating procedures.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bingham, NM: Our competitive pricing and swift result delivery provide exceptional value. With budget-friendly testing options, businesses of any size can benefit economically from our services, enjoying an efficient return on investment while prioritizing workplace safety and compliance through reliable drug testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bingham, NM: Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and efficiency. These tests provide definitive detection of substance use and deliver results promptly, making them an essential tool for those prioritizing accuracy and prompt outcomes. Compared to other methods, hair testing ensures high fidelity in monitoring substance usage, offering peace of mind.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bingham, NM: Adopting hair follicle testing fosters alignment with workplace drug-free policies, reduces legal exposure, and enhances security. This testing method supports rigorous standards, helping employers maintain compliance in a regulated environment, thereby ensuring a safe, productive, and legally sound workplace culture.
