Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The assessment of hair has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair embeds biological markers within the fibers of its expanding strands, offering an extended history of substance use. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can present up to a 3-month detection period for substances. The collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
Securing a 1.5-inch sample comprising about 200 hair strands (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) from the scalp region provides approximately 100mg of hair, which is optimal for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or examinations surpassing 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equal measure of body hair can be used. "Head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in laboratory processing for a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial sample processing within a laboratory system. This phase encompasses verifying correct sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any extra data entry requirements not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening offers a budget-friendly option to exclude drug usage in most samples, positive findings require confirmation to be acceptable in legal proceedings. Samples initially determined as positive need further confirmation.
If a specimen appears positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this stage, substances are extracted from hair in lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a particularly challenging methodology.
Confirming any positive screening finding involves using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being known as "hair follicle tests," the assessment evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cuyamungue, NM
In comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests, the former stands out for its superior detection capabilities and reliability. Hair tests offer a more extended detection window and fewer opportunities for manipulation, making them indispensable for organizations committed to a drug-free environment. Their accuracy surpasses that of urine tests, offering peace of mind for employers.
Extended Detection Window in Cuyamungue, NM
Hair follicle testing uncovers substance use over a significantly broader timeframe, up to 90 days. This extended detection window allows employers to gain a comprehensive insight into an individual’s history of substance use, ensuring that long-term patterns rather than short-term habits inform employment decisions. This information is crucial in evaluating the suitability of candidates.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cuyamungue, NM
Hair follicle drug tests greatly minimize the risk of sample tampering, providing results that can be trusted. This method's resistance to adulteration ensures that the outcomes remain reliable and incontrovertible, thereby offering organizations and institutions peace of mind when utilizing these tests for critical compliance and employment decisions.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Cuyamungue, NM
Our nationwide network of testing centers ensures that accessing hair follicle testing services is quick and hassle-free. With convenient local options in Cuyamungue, NM, individuals and employers can seamlessly utilize testing services, enhancing accessibility and reducing wait times, thereby making the process efficient and user-friendly.
Simple, Confidential Process in Cuyamungue, NM
The straightforward and confidential process for ordering and undergoing hair follicle tests addresses privacy concerns effectively. Our streamlined methods ensure that from scheduling to receiving results, every step is designed for ease and discretion, maintaining client confidentiality at all times.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cuyamungue, NM
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services provide excellent value to companies regardless of their size. Our commitment to affordability ensures that organizations can maintain robust drug screening protocols without financial strain, while benefiting from quick result deliveries.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cuyamungue, NM
Hair follicle drug testing offers unparalleled precision and swiftness in detecting drug use. Renowned for high accuracy, these tests can reliably uncover substance use patterns, aiding employers and organizations in making informed decisions swiftly. This method’s speed and exactitude make it an invaluable tool in maintaining safe and compliant workplaces.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cuyamungue, NM
Hair follicle testing enables employers to maintain strict adherence to workplace drug-free policies. By reducing legal risks and bolstering workplace safety, this testing method assures employers of compliance, thus fostering a secure and productive work environment.
