Hair Follicle Drug Testing - El Vado, NM

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. This method captures a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of hair strands. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a substance detection period of approximately three months. Hair sample collection is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch collection composed of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) from the scalp produces 100mg of hair, a suitable quantity for initial screening and confirmation. Recommended for EtG, additional tests, and screenings exceeding 10 panels is a 150mg sample size. It is advised to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Overview of the Process

The laboratory analysis of a drug test involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the preliminary step of integrating a sample into the lab's system. This phase ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipping, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional manual data entries not captured by an electronic custody chain system.

Screening offers a preliminary and swift assessment for substances. Although Screening cost-effectively excludes drug use in most samples, outcomes appearing positive at this stage must undergo confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples deemed potentially positive during Screening require a confirmatory step.

Should a sample appear positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. The Extraction step isolates substances from the hair at a lower concentration than methods such as urine or saliva testing, highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.

Verification of any positive Screening outcomes is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before final confirmation when necessary. The entire lab protocol from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Hair drug testing benefits include:

• Extended detection period: It detects drug use up to 90 days, contrasting urine tests with shorter detection spans.
• Cheat resistance: The difficulty of tampering with hair tests enhances result accuracy.
• Historical consumption patterns: Displays patterns of drug use over time, not just recent intake.

Drawbacks:

• Lack of immediate detection: Drugs become noticeable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Hair tests tend to be pricier than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth rates can impact metabolite concentrations.

Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in El Vado, NM

Hair follicle tests present significant advantages over traditional urine tests, primarily in terms of detection accuracy and reliability. The longer detection window and the difficulty in tampering provide a more robust method for assessing substance use history.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in El Vado, NM

The ability to detect drug use over a period of up to 90 days gives hair follicle testing an edge, offering employers a thorough view of an individual's substance use history, thereby supporting informed decision-making in hiring or monitoring employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in El Vado, NM

Hair follicle tests are significantly tamper-proof, reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This makes them highly reliable, producing results that are both definitive and trustworthy, departing from the vulnerabilities of other testing methods.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in El Vado, NM

Our testing centers are conveniently distributed nationwide, including local sites in El Vado, NM, ensuring straightforward and efficient access to testing services without the hassle, making the process simpler for everyone involved.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in El Vado, NM

The testing process is straightforward and secure, from ordering to receiving results, maintaining privacy and ease of use. This seamless experience ensures client confidence while respecting individual confidentiality concerns.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in El Vado, NM

Our competitive pricing structure and rapid turnaround times offer exceptional value to companies of varying sizes. We prioritize affordability without compromising on the quality and speed of service delivered.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in El Vado, NM

The precision and speed of hair follicle testing stand out, ensuring high accuracy in substance use detection. Hair tests provide a rapid and reliable solution, making them highly preferred by employers and authorities seeking dependable outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in El Vado, NM

Using hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug policies, minimizing legal issues and fortifying workplace safety. Employers gain confidence knowing they meet compliance standards while securing a drug-free working environment.

Drug Testing Near El Vado, NM

Youngsville, NM

Dulce, NM

Lumberton, NM

Gallina, NM

Monero, NM

Chama, NM

Canjilon, NM

Brazos, NM

Ensenada, NM

Cebolla, NM

Los Ojos, NM

Tierra Amarilla, NM

Alire, NM

Rutheron, NM

La Puente, NM