Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Blanco, NM

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as a robust instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by ensnaring biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers up to roughly a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. In reference to head hair, only scalp hair is considered. Body hair denotes all other hair types (including facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample in a laboratory’s system. This process involves confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening demand a subsequent confirmation.

If a sample shows presumptive positivity at the Screening stage, more hair is sourced from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration than seen in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence making hair drug screening a methodology of high complexity.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have shorter detection periods.
• Cheating is hard: Cheating a hair drug test is highly challenging, enhancing the reliability of results.
• Provides usage history: It offers insights into patterns of drug use over time, not just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent use: Drugs take around 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Differences such as hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Despite being commonly known as "hair follicle tests," the evaluation focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Blanco, NM involves comparing the strengths of hair testing over urine tests. Hair follicle testing offers superior detection over longer periods, noting drug use cannot be easily hidden as with urine tests.

The accuracy and reliability of hair testing mean employers receive consistent results, with a much lower risk of tampering compared to urine samples.

Extended Detection Window

The Extended Detection Window in Blanco, NM is a significant advantage of hair follicle testing. It traces drug use up to 90 days, offering a broad overview of an individual's substance history.

Employers gain valuable insights into applicants or employees' long-term drug habits, facilitating more competent hiring and monitoring decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Blanco, NM is a pivotal aspect of hair follicle testing. These tests significantly reduce sample adulteration risks, ensuring reliable outcomes.

The collection process, coupled with the test's resilience against tampering, provides unquestionable results, enhancing trust in the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Blanco, NM make hair follicle testing readily accessible. Our centers offer quick, hassle-free access, enhancing the testing experience.

Whether local or nationwide, our facilities ensure that testing needs are met with ease, providing unparalleled convenience.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Blanco, NM streamlines ordering, taking, and receiving test results. We uphold privacy, addressing any confidentiality concerns effectively.

Our straightforward process is designed to be user-friendly while maintaining high standards of discretion, easing the testing journey.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Blanco, NM are a hallmark of our services. Competitive pricing combined with quick result delivery offers excellent value for various businesses.

Our cost-effective tests ensure financial prudence without compromising on quality or speed, suited for organizations of all sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Blanco, NM are key benefits of hair follicle drug tests. These tests provide high precision, ensuring quick and definitive detection of various substances.

Hair testing leads the way in accuracy, efficiently identifying drug use, helping employers make informed decisions regarding potential hires or existing employees.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Blanco, NM is assured through hair follicle testing. This method ensures adherence to workplace policies, mitigating legal risks.

Using hair testing fosters a safer work environment, granting employers peace of mind about maintaining a drug-free workplace effectively.

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