Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can indicate up to around a 90-day window for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to deliver.
An ideal sample for testing and confirmation is a 1.5-inch sample comprising about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, equating to 100mg of hair. For EtG, supplements, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest verifying the sample weight using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, a comparable amount of body hair may be utilized. 'Head hair' specifically refers to scalp hair, while 'body hair' includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result predominantly involves four phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This phase covers confirming that the sample was securely sealed and shipped, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finalizing any additional data entry not accounted for by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial quick examination for drugs of abuse. While Screening proves cost-efficient for eliminating drug use in most samples, positive screenings require confirmation to be permissible in legal proceedings. Samples perceived as positive in Screening necessitate secondary validation.
Should a sample appear positive during the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at markedly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), establishing hair drug screening as the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples marked as presumptive positive undergo washing prior to confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) standards for Hair and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly dubbed "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to the traditional urine test in Cloverdale, NM, it's evident that hair testing offers superior benefits. Hair tests detect drug use over an extended period, offering up to 90 days of history, while urine tests cover a much shorter timeline.
For employers, courts, and rehabilitation centers that prioritize accurate detection, hair testing provides enhanced reliability by virtually eliminating the risk of sample tampering often associated with urine tests.
One of the significant advantages of hair follicle testing in Cloverdale, NM, is its extended detection window. Unlike other methods, hair tests can trace drug use for up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive view of a subject's substance history.
This prolonged detection timeframe is critical for employers assessing potential hires or monitoring current employees, enabling more informed decisions based on a broader view of drug usage behavior.
Hair follicle testing in Cloverdale, NM, stands as a tamper-resistant method, which greatly minimizes the risk of adulteration. This is because hair samples are difficult to manipulate, ensuring that the results are both reliable and credible.
Employers and organizations can trust the outcomes of hair drug tests, as they provide an unquestionable proof of substance use, offering a level of certainty not commonly achieved with other testing methods.
With convenient testing centers nationwide, including local options in Cloverdale, NM, accessing hair follicle testing services is simple. Our network ensures quick, easy, and hassle-free access, accommodating individuals and businesses alike.
This widespread availability means that no matter where you are, obtaining a reliable test is straightforward, supporting timely and efficient substance testing solutions.
The process of hair follicle testing in Cloverdale, NM, is designed to be both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the steps are streamlined to ensure user privacy and ease of access.
Individuals and companies can rely on a discrete testing experience that respects their privacy, while delivering accurate and timely results, thereby addressing concerns about confidentiality.
In Cloverdale, NM, we offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests, ensuring cost-effective solutions for companies of varying sizes.
This competitive pricing structure, combined with a commitment to speedy results, provides exceptional value and peace of mind to businesses, allowing them to manage their testing needs efficiently and economically.
In Cloverdale, NM, hair follicle drug testing offers fast, accurate, and reliable results, setting it apart from other testing methods. This precision ensures that substance use is detected effectively, providing confidence in the results obtained.
The rapid analysis capacity of hair tests means that individuals and organizations receive timely feedback, essential for making informed decisions regarding substance use and addressing related issues promptly.
In Cloverdale, NM, implementing hair follicle testing in workplaces promotes compliance with drug-free policies. This screening process helps reduce legal risks and enhances the overall safety of the workplace environment.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are upholding the law and ensuring that their workforce adheres to company policies, maintaining a safe and productive atmosphere.
