Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for detecting drugs and alcohol usage. Hair retains a lengthy record of alcohol and drug exposure by embedding biomarkers within the hair fiber as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month detection timeline for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and it is simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale is suggested for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair is an alternative. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the laboratory processing of drug test results are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step involves verifying the sample’s seal and proper shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry that an electronic chain of custody system did not provide.
Screening consists of a preliminary swift check for substance abuse. Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug usage for most samples, but a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening need further confirmation.
If indications in Screening are positive, more hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this process, drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly reduced concentrations than in alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive result from screening is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited both under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though referred to as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Choosing hair follicle testing over urine testing in Buckhorn, NM, offers clear advantages in detection precision and reliability. This method surpasses traditional urine tests by identifying drug use over a longer timeframe and with fewer opportunities for tampering or false results.
Whereas urine tests detect current or recent substance use, hair tests provide a comprehensive history, proving invaluable for employers seeking thorough evaluations of candidates' past behaviors. Their enhanced reliability bolsters overall confidence in testing outcomes.
Employing hair follicle drug testing in Buckhorn, NM, allows for detecting drug use over an expansive timeframe—up to 90 days. This extensive window gives employers insightful views into employees' or candidates' substance use patterns, prioritizing organizational safety and informed decision-making.
With a significantly longer detection period than other testing methods, hair testing is ideal for institutions aiming to ensure consistent, reliable monitoring of substance use behaviors across extended intervals.
Hair follicle testing in Buckhorn, NM, presents a significant advantage in its resistance to tampering. Unlike urine tests, hair tests mitigate risks of sample adulteration, making them a preferred choice for reliable and unquestionable results.
This testing method ensures integrity as it's difficult to alter or substitute hair samples, providing pristine insight into individual substance use and illustrating its superior dependability over traditional testing forms.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient, broad-reaching hair follicle testing locations nationwide, including Buckhorn, NM. Our extensive network ensures quick, straightforward access to testing services, removing barriers and facilitating effortless evaluations.
With both local and national centers readily accessible, employers and individuals can seamlessly incorporate drug testing into their schedules without hassle. Effortless logistics underscore this testing method's adaptability.
The hair follicle testing process in Buckhorn, NM, is simple and confidential. From ordering to results, each step prioritizes client privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns about confidentiality.
This process ensures participants feel secure and informed, upholding privacy while delivering necessary insights into substance use. It's designed to meet the needs of both individuals and organizations efficiently and discreetly.
Buckhorn, NM, hair follicle drug testing offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. This method provides excellent value for companies seeking cost-effective, efficient solutions, irrespective of size.
The balance of affordability with speedy returns ensures businesses benefit from timely, insightful data, supporting decision-making and enhancing organizational peace of mind.
The rapid and precise results of hair follicle drug tests in Buckhorn, NM, stand unmatched. These tests offer high accuracy, swiftly revealing substance use with minimal turnaround time. When swift, reliable outcomes are critical, this method consistently meets and exceeds expectations.
Hair testing's speed doesn't compromise its accuracy. Substance residues in hair samples ensure dependable results, elevating them above other methods. This efficiency means organizations can make informed decisions quickly.
For Buckhorn, NM, employers seeking compliance with drug-free policies, hair follicle testing is an unrivaled option. By utilizing this method, organizations can ensure adherence to legal standards, minimizing risks and enhancing workplace safety.
Hair testing backs employers striving to uphold regulatory requirements, furnishing them with peace of mind and bolstering their commitment to a safe and compliant work environment.
