Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for up to 90 days. The collection process is straightforward, hard to falsify, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp can produce 100mg of hair, which is optimal for analysis. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It's best to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't an option, a comparable volume of body hair can be used. Note that head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases of a laboratory drug test analysis are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial setup of a sample in a laboratory’s database. Steps include ensuring the sample is correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening is economically efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, positive results must be verified for legal admissibility. Samples yielding a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate follow-up Confirmation.
If Screening indicates a potential positive, more hair is extracted from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of performing hair drug tests.
Verification of any positive screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation when necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the scalp's hair follicle.
Advantages of Hair Follicle Testing Over Urine Analysis
In Hope, NM, hair testing clearly provides more reliable outcomes than urine tests, offering superior detection capabilities.
The accuracy of hair testing, compared to urine analysis, ensures that substances are thoroughly detected. It minimizes false negatives and maximizes the chances of uncovering any substance use.
Prolonged Detection Capabilities
In Hope, NM, hair follicle testing stands out with its ability to detect substance use for up to 90 days, providing a thorough view of history.
This extended detection period is advantageous for employers seeking a complete understanding of an employee or applicant's potential substance use history.
Reliable, Tamper-Resistant Testing
Hope, NM benefits from hair follicle testing, a method that significantly lowers sample tampering risks, ensuring unquestionable reliability.
Such tests are designed to withstand manipulation attempts, rendering them one of the most dependable drug detection techniques available.
Accessible Testing Centers Everywhere
Residents of Hope, NM can enjoy convenient access to testing with centers nationwide, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Both local and national facilities provide services without logistical challenges, making testing easily accessible for all.
Effortless and Confidential Testing Process
In Hope, NM, the hair testing process is simple and confidential, offering privacy and ease from ordering to receiving results.
The streamlined process respects privacy while ensuring easy navigation through testing, contributing to a stress-free experience.
Cost-Effective and Quick Results
Hope, NM offers competitively priced hair follicle testing with quick turnaround, providing excellent value and peace of mind.
Affordable pricing combined with speedy results offers businesses, big or small, an economical solution to their testing needs.
Speed and Accuracy in Drug Detection
Hope, NM enjoys rapid and precise hair follicle drug testing, which offers top-tier accuracy for substance detection.
With hair analysis, the precision in detecting substances is unparalleled. The testing system captures a wide spectrum of substances, ensuring comprehensive checks. This method proves vital for timely and accurate results.
Ensuring Compliance and Tranquility at Work
In Hope, NM, hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety.
This method reassures businesses by solidifying adherence to safety standards, thus fostering a secure, productive environment.