Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Seen as a robust means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing offers a prolonged timeline of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Obtaining samples near the scalp can disclose a usage timeline of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Easy to collect and challenging to alter, hair samples are also uncomplicated to transport.
An ideal sample for both screening and confirmation is a 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 strands of hair (equating to a #2 pencil's thickness), equating to about 100mg. For EtG, additional tests, or panels over 10, a sample of 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair isn't viable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be utilized. Discussions of head hair specifically pertain to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The drug testing process in a laboratory unfolds through four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the phase of integrating a sample into the lab's system, involving checks for the sample's secure sealing and correct shipping, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any ancillary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is the preliminary testing for drug presence. While it's a cost-efficient way to exclude drug use in most instances, any positive findings require verification for legal admissibility. Presumptively positive samples in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should Screening suggest a positive result, additional hair is sourced from the specimen to prepare for Extraction. Drugs are separated from hair at considerably lower concentrations here compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, which makes hair screening more challenging to execute.
Confirmation for any preliminary positive is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples identified as presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) designation for Hair and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis focuses on the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Black River Village, NM
Comparing hair follicle testing to urine tests reveals significant benefits. Hair tests excel with longer detection spans and greater reliability. Urine tests, restricted by short detection windows, often miss substantial substance usage insights. For enhanced accuracy and detection capabilities, hair tests provide a superior alternative.
Extended Detection Window in Black River Village, NM
Hair follicle testing's ability to detect substances for up to 90 days is pivotal for companies seeking comprehensive drug histories. This expansive detection span provides a thorough overview of an individual's substance use, unlike other testing methods. Employers receive crucial, extended insight into potential hires or current employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Black River Village, NM
One of the defining traits of hair follicle testing is its strong resistance to tampering. This method significantly reduces the potential for sample manipulation, ensuring results that are both credible and unquestioned. The inherent difficulty of altering a hair sample provides peace of mind in maintaining test integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Black River Village, NM
With an extensive network of testing centers, accessing our services remains seamless and convenient. Our strategically positioned locations across the nation ensure customers experience swift, straightforward testing processes. Whether local or further afield, you’ll always find an accessible center for immediate support.
Simple, Confidential Process in Black River Village, NM
Our testing process is designed for simplicity and discretion. From ordering to testing and obtaining results, every step is streamlined to protect privacy and ensure ease. Clients can confidently navigate through our services, assured their personal data and process remain confidential and user-friendly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Black River Village, NM
Our competitive pricing structures and rapid turnaround promise considerable value for clients of any scale. With our efficient processes, companies receive precise results swiftly, supporting budget-conscious operations without sacrificing service quality. Peace of mind is now both accessible and cost-effective.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Black River Village, NM
Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed. Their robust accuracy ensures a true representation of substance use, providing critical data swiftly. The meticulous testing process leaves no room for doubt, guaranteeing you receive dependable results in a timely manner. Substantive accuracy is the cornerstone of hair testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Black River Village, NM
Employers benefit from hair follicle testing as it aligns with drug-free workplace standards, mitigating legal risks. By enforcing such tests, organizations bolster safety and legal compliance, fostering a secure and regulated environment. This ensures a commitment to a safe workspace, reducing liability concerns.
