Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a formidable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a lengthy record of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer up to nearly a 3-month time frame for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample length of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal specimen for examination and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When highlighting head hair, it refers only to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair (facial hair, underarm hair, etc.).
Process Overview
The four fundamental steps in processing a drug test result in a lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the primary handling of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This step confirms that the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any additional information missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a successful screen must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Any samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging procedure to conduct.
Confirmation of any presumptive positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle itself beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Carlsbad, NM, the former offers distinct benefits. Hair tests are renowned for their superior accuracy in detecting substances over longer periods. Unlike urine tests, which only show recent use, hair testing maps out a more comprehensive drug usage timeline.
The reliability of hair follicle tests makes them a preferred choice for many businesses. Compared to urine tests, hair samples are less prone to adulteration, offering a more secure testing method that aligns with strict organizational policies.
Hair follicle testing in Carlsbad, NM, offers an extended detection window, uncovering substance use up to 90 days prior. This lengthy timeline provides employers with a thorough overview of an individual's drug history, forming a basis for informed hiring decisions.
Through sustained detection capabilities, hair follicle tests give employers the assurance they need for maintaining a drug-free environment. The prolonged observation period draws a robust picture of a candidate's commitment to substance-free conduct in the workplace.
In Carlsbad, NM, hair follicle testing stands out as a tamper-resistant method for substance detection. Hair samples are inherently harder to alter, ensuring that results are reliable and accurate, free from manipulation commonly associated with urine tests.
This quality of hair tests enhances their integrity, meeting the stringent requirements of courts, employers, and other regulatory bodies. With a nearly foolproof collection and testing process, hair testing provides assurance regarding the validity of results.
Convenience is a key feature of Accredited Drug Testing's services, with nationwide testing locations readily accessible, including in Carlsbad, NM. This ensures that individuals across the country can easily undergo hair follicle testing without logistical hassles.
The seamless integration of local testing centers means quick access and reduced wait times, facilitating an efficient process for both individuals and organizations. This network supports ease of use, crucial for timely drug testing needs.
In Carlsbad, NM, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential, designed to respect privacy throughout every step. From ordering to sample collection and receiving results, the process is tailored for user convenience.
Confidentiality is paramount, with secure handling of personal information, ensuring that test outcomes remain private. This commitment to data privacy builds trust with clients, emphasizing the importance of discretion in drug testing services.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests in Carlsbad, NM. Our services are designed to provide exceptional value, making drug testing accessible to companies of all sizes without sacrificing quality or speed.
Efficient processing and cost-effective solutions support businesses in managing their drug testing needs economically and effectively. This balance of affordability and speed ensures organizations can maintain compliance without excessive expenditure.
In Carlsbad, NM, hair follicle drug testing is recognized for its speed and precision. These tests provide highly accurate insights into an individual's substance use history. The meticulous analysis of hair samples ensures a higher degree of reliability, setting a benchmark for drug testing efficacy.
The quick turnaround time for hair follicle tests means individuals and employers can receive results promptly. This efficiency is crucial in situations where timely information is essential for decision-making, particularly in professional settings.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Carlsbad, NM, assures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, significantly reducing legal liabilities for employers. This method supports a safer work environment, reflecting an organization's commitment to health and safety.
Employers can gain peace of mind by incorporating hair testing, as it not only fulfills regulatory requirements but also elevates standard operational practices. This proactive measure contributes to a secure and efficient workplace atmosphere.
