Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair analysis is regarded as a potent method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers in the strands of growing hair, offering a prolonged record of alcohol and drug presence. When taken from near the scalp, hair reveals a detection span for alcohol and drugs reaching approximately three months. Gathering is straightforward, tampering is somewhat challenging, and transit is convenient.
Extracting a 1.5-inch portion of around 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, perfect for both screening and confirming. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advocate for measuring the sample's weight with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't obtainable, the same quantity of body hair may be utilized. Head hair exclusively denotes scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other variants (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory journey from initial sample to drug test result comprises four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the process of introducing a sample into the laboratory's workflow. This ensures samples are appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any requisite data entry not managed by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening signifies a preliminary swift check for drug presence. While Screening is an affordable method to dismiss drug activity in many cases, any positive findings demand confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples identified as positive during Screening necessitate further verification.
When a sample shows a positive result in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, the drug is isolated from hair in significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), underscoring the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
Positive results from Screening undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All positive presumptive samples are cleansed before confirmation if required. The comprehensive laboratory method, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and meets ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle located under the scalp
Advantages Over Urine Testing in Ensenada, NM
Hair follicle assessments surpass urine tests with superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, they offer an extended observation window and are more robust against attempts to manipulate results, giving them a clear edge in thoroughness.
Extended Detection Window in Ensenada, NM
The ability of hair follicle testing to trace drug use over a 90-day period offers a broader view of an individual’s substance interactions. This attribute can guide employers in making informed decisions, assessing both prospective and current employee diligence.
Secure, Tamper-Resistant Method in Ensenada, NM
Hair follicle tests drastically minimize the risk of tampering, as the integrity of samples remains largely uncompromised through the testing process. This reliability is crucial for securing accurate results and safeguarding compliance standards.
Convenient Testing Centers in Ensenada, NM
With extensive testing locations nationwide, accessing our services is both uncomplicated and seamless. Whether local to Ensenada or elsewhere, individuals benefit from our wide-reaching network, eliminating barriers to testing and ensuring accessibility.
Simple and Private Process in Ensenada, NM
Our process for ordering, conducting, and receiving test results is straightforward, maintaining confidentiality throughout. This focus on privacy and simplicity addresses concerns and fosters trust among users seeking secure testing services.
Cost-Effective and Quick Turnaround in Ensenada, NM
Our competitive pricing models and rapid result delivery present excellent value, accommodating companies of various sizes. This efficiency aids organizations in maintaining their operational tempo, securing trust in economic value delivery.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Detection in Ensenada, NM
Hair follicle testing offers notable speed and precision in results. This method's accuracy in identifying substance use is unmatched, providing swift and trusted insights into one's drug history. These tests are indispensable tools in maintaining workplace integrity and health standards.
Ensuring Compliance and Tranquility for Employers in Ensenada, NM
Employers leverage hair follicle tests to uphold drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks and bolstering workplace safety. This robust testing process reassures companies, enhancing employee confidence and security.