Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. If collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to about a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. It's straightforward to gather, hard to tamper with, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, extra tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It's recommended to measure the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equal quantity of body hair may be used. When referencing head hair, it pertains specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four fundamental steps in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This process involves ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes a preliminary rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method for ruling out drug use on most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in court. Any samples with a presumed positive result in Screening need a further confirmation.
In cases where a sample appears positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are drawn from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is verified under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Contreras, NM, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing by offering superior detection accuracy. By analyzing hair, a broader history of drug use can be unveiled. Whereas urine tests might miss certain periods, hair tests provide a continuous record. These traits make hair testing particularly effective for employers prioritizing thoroughness and reliability in drug detection efforts.
Hair testing in Contreras, NM boasts an extended detection window of up to 90 days, a significant advantage over other methods. This prolonged period enables companies to gain deep insights into the substance habits of their staff, offering a reliable reflection of their drug use history beyond short-term detection capabilities.
Hair follicle drug tests conducted in Contreras, NM are built to minimize sample adulteration risks, ensuring results are both reliable and credible. By using hair strands, the possibility of tampering is significantly curtailed, offering unparalleled confidence in the integrity of the drug testing process for all involved parties.
With testing locations scattered across the nation, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that those in Contreras, NM enjoy hassle-free and convenient access to testing services. Our extensive network simplifies the testing process, offering swift and easy access to drug and alcohol tests that fit individual scheduling and location needs.
The drug testing process in Contreras, NM is straightforward and confidential, simplifying how tests are ordered, conducted, and how results are disseminated. Assuring privacy and ease of use, the process is designed to address concerns efficiently, ensuring clients feel comfortable and secure throughout the testing timeline.
Our cost-effective pricing and expedited turnaround times in Contreras, NM position us as a premier choice for firms, large or small. Our blend of affordability and speed guarantees excellent value, ensuring companies can maintain their competitive edge while upholding essential workplace safety and compliance standards.
Hair follicle drug tests in Contreras, NM deliver swift and precise results, marking them as a gold standard in substance detection. Their accuracy surpasses that of traditional testing methods, efficiently pinpointing recent substance use. With cutting-edge technology, results are not only fast but also highly reliable, solidifying hair testing's reputation for dependability in detecting drugs.
For employers in Contreras, NM, hair follicle drug tests provide unparalleled peace of mind by aligning with workplace drug-free policies. This method reduces legal exposure and fosters a secure and compliant work environment, all while ensuring employees adhere to health and safety standards, effectively mitigating potential workplace risks.
