Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly being recognized as a potent means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a lengthy record of drug and alcohol use by embedding biomarkers within the hair fiber as it grows. When taken from the scalp area, hair can yield up to a 90-day detection period for substances. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, it is relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is ideal for analysis. For EtG, additional assessments, and/or tests covering more than 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types such as facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
There are four principal steps in processing a drug test in a laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning begins with integrating a sample into the lab’s system. This step involves ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and conducting any further data entry that isn't supplied by an electronic custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. This method is cost-effective for excluding drug usage in most cases, however, for legal admissibility, positive screenings must undergo confirmation. Samples that present a presumptive positive in Screening require confirmatory testing.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair in significantly lower concentrations than methods such as urine or oral fluid testing, contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive results from screening are further authenticated via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo a wash prior to confirmation if it is deemed necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is carefully audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and ISO / IEC 17025 compliance.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Cowles, NM, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing due to its superior detection capabilities and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests minimize the likelihood of errors, offering a more accurate portrayal of substance use.
The benefits of hair testing are evident in its ability to detect long-term drug use, contrasting with the limited window provided by urine tests, making it the preferred choice for comprehensive screening.
Hair follicle testing in Cowles, NM, provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days, surpassing other screening methods. This allows employers to access a detailed history of an individual's substance use, offering greater insight and ensuring informed decisions.
Employers benefit from the extensive detection period of hair tests, gaining a comprehensive view of an applicant's or employee's substance history, helping maintain a drug-free workplace.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Cowles, NM, significantly reduces the risk of sample manipulation. This enhances the credibility of the results, providing reliable and unquestionable outcomes for employers enforcing drug use policies.
Hair tests are a robust solution against sample adulteration, ensuring the integrity of the results and offering peace of mind for employers committed to drug-free workplace standards.
In Cowles, NM, the convenience of nationwide testing locations is evident. With numerous testing centers, access to services is quick and straightforward, providing hassle-free testing experiences for all participants.
Local residents in Cowles benefit from easy access to nearby facilities, ensuring seamless and efficient drug testing that fits into busy schedules, enhancing the overall convenience.
The simple, confidential process of hair follicle testing in Cowles, NM, addresses privacy concerns. Ordering and receiving results are straightforward, ensuring participants feel secure about their information.
Hair testing offers a user-friendly experience that respects confidentiality, providing reassurance to individuals and supporting organizations in their drug-free initiatives.
Hair follicle testing in Cowles, NM, provides affordable pricing and fast turnaround. Competitive rates and quick result delivery offer excellent value for companies, catering to the needs of businesses of varying sizes.
Employers appreciate the cost-effectiveness of hair testing, which remains budget-friendly while offering quality results, ensuring peace of mind and supporting efficient decision-making processes.
Hair follicle drug tests in Cowles, NM, offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. Employing advanced technology, these tests swiftly identify substance use with high precision. They are a robust solution for employers seeking certainty in substance abuse screening, delivering dependable outcomes.
Accuracy is a key strength of hair drug testing. Unlike other methods, hair tests in Cowles provide consistent and precise detection of substance use, ensuring employers can trust the data to make informed decisions.
In Cowles, NM, hair follicle testing ensures compliance and peace of mind for employers. By using this method, businesses can adhere to workplace drug policies, minimize legal risks, and promote workplace safety.
Employers gain assurance in maintaining drug-free environments through reliable hair testing, which supports regulatory compliance and helps prevent workplace accidents related to substance misuse.
