Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Los Alamos, NM

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a crucial method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive timeline of substance intake by embedding biomarkers within the hair fibre as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to around 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transport.

A 1.5-inch hair sample comprising roughly 200 strands (resembling the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for assessment and verification. For EtG, additional assessments, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It is recommended to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. By head hair, we mean hair from the scalp alone. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, and so on).

Process Overview

The key stages in processing a laboratory drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial processing of a sample into the system of a laboratory. This stage involves confirming the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening constitutes a preliminary, swift examination for drug abuse. Though cost-effective for eliminating drug use in most samples, any positive result here needs further confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. All samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate supplementary confirmation.

For any specimens testing presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is allocated from the primary sample for Extraction. During this stage, substances are derived from hair at significantly lower levels than alternative techniques (like urine or saliva), underscoring why hair drug analysis is the most intricate method to enact.

Verification of a positive result from screening is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleaned before confirmation as required. Each phase from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and the compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug analysis can identify drug intake for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that offer shorter detection spans.
• Resistance to manipulation: Cheating a hair drug test proves incredibly tough, enhancing the reliability of results.
• Tracks historical usage: It delivers a timeline of substance use over a span rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: Detectability of drugs in hair takes roughly 5-7 days.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests are pricier than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

The advantages of hair follicle testing over urine testing in Los Alamos, NM are considerable. Hair tests provide greater detection accuracy and are far more reliable, offering a significant edge for employers and professionals seeking informed insights into substance use histories. This method minimizes the chances of false negatives and circumvention that are sometimes associated with traditional urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

An extended detection window is a key feature of hair follicle testing in Los Alamos, NM, as it can trace drug use for up to 90 days. Employers benefit from this prolonged window, as it provides a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history, which is crucial for making well-informed hiring or monitoring decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Los Alamos, NM showcases a tamper-resistant method, drastically reducing the likelihood of sample adulteration. This reliability ensures that results remain unaffected and trustworthy, offering a clear view of an individual's substance use, free from manipulation or deception.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient nationwide locations, including local testing in Los Alamos, NM. This wide-spread network ensures that accessing testing services is quick, simple, and free of hassle, enhancing the overall convenience for clients seeking drug testing solutions.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Los Alamos, NM, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. Ordering, conducting the test, and receiving results prioritize privacy and ease of use. Individuals can rest assured that their sensitive information is handled with the utmost confidentiality, elevating client comfort.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable pricing and fast turnaround characterize the hair follicle testing services in Los Alamos, NM. Offering competitive prices and quick results, Accredited Drug Testing provides excellent value, ensuring that companies of any size receive optimal service and results without compromising on efficiency.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, accurate, and reliable results define hair follicle testing in Los Alamos, NM. This method offers precision and speed, ensuring that any substance use is identified with high accuracy. It surpasses traditional testing methods, offering confidence in the outcomes delivered, vital for making informed decisions regarding substance use.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Los Alamos, NM, adopting hair follicle testing fosters compliance and peace of mind. By aligning with workplace drug-free policies, companies can mitigate legal risks and enhance workplace safety, ensuring a secure environment for all employees while maintaining policy adherence.

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