Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as a significant method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term history of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the developing strands. When collected close to the scalp, hair can offer around a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and various drugs. Hair samples are straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of approximately 200 hairs (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg, which is optimal for screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional testing, and tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest weighing the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair pertain strictly to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four fundamental steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This involves confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. This economical approach helps eliminate drug presence in most samples; however, to be court-admissible, a positive screen necessitates confirmation. Samples returning presumptively positive results during Screening require secondary confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations far lower than those seen in alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the examination focuses on analyzing the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle tests in Cotton City, NM, offer distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. They provide superior detection accuracy, pinpointing drug use with high reliability. While urine tests capture recent usage within days, hair tests cover usage over longer periods, up to 90 days, delivering a more comprehensive picture, which makes these tests ideal for tailored substance tracking and critical decision-making.
With an extended detection window, hair follicle testing in Cotton City, NM, can uncover drug traces up to 90 days after use. This lengthy timeframe offers employers a more thorough understanding of an individual’s history with substances. Such testing is invaluable for assessing long-term sobriety or identifying chronic patterns of substance use, offering a valuable perspective for both pre-employment and ongoing evaluations.
Cotton City, NM, benefits from the tamper-resistant qualities of hair follicle tests. These tests significantly deter sample adulteration, providing results that are both trustworthy and undeniable. Unlike urine tests, hair tests require a straightforward collection process that reduces the likelihood of deception, ensuring that the information provided is authentic and relevant for legal, employment, or personal needs.
With a vast network of testing centers, Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenience in Cotton City, NM. Our widespread presence nationwide means quick, hassle-free access to testing services. Clients benefit from ease of access, ensuring that whether local or traveling, testing is readily available, promoting accessibility and efficiency in meeting drug testing requirements.
In Cotton City, NM, the process of hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. Ordering, collecting, and receiving results is streamlined to protect privacy. This approach reassures users with a discreet and straightforward experience, alleviating concerns about confidentiality and elevating comfort levels in proceeding with necessary drug testing.
Offering competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, Accredited Drug Testing provides excellent value in Cotton City, NM. Our affordable pricing structure paired with rapid result delivery ensures businesses of all sizes receive the best return on their investment, enhancing peace of mind and supporting a drug-free workplace efficiently.
In Cotton City, NM, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for delivering quick and accurate results. The enhanced precision ensures the detection of substance use with remarkable accuracy. Speed and precision are the hallmark of hair testing, offering a reliable assessment for a wide spectrum of substances, making them highly effective for both employers and individuals seeking dependable drug screening solutions.
Employers in Cotton City, NM, find compliance with workplace drug-free policies smoother due to hair follicle testing. This method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety by ensuring policy adherence. Regular testing fosters a drug-free environment, instilling confidence among employers and employees alike while safeguarding business interests and maintaining a secure work atmosphere.
