Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can offer a comprehensive history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers in the growing hair strand's fibers. When harvested near the scalp, it can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for various substances. Hair is easy to collect, less susceptible to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A segment of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 strands (equal to a #2 pencil's dimension) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's advisable to have 150mg of the sample. It's beneficial to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, a similar quantity of body hair might be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we exclusively mean scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary four stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial processing of a sample within a lab's system. It involves confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial swift evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening serves as a budget-friendly means to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be corroborated to be court-admissible. Any samples presumed positive in Screening mandate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is tentatively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are derived from hair at notably lower concentrations than in alternate methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is amongst the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is accomplished through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples presumed positive are cleansed prior to confirmation as required. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is supervised under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing stands out in Los Lunas, NM, for its advantages over traditional urine testing. The most notable benefit is its extended detection window allowing a deeper analysis of an individual's drug use history. Unlike urine tests, which are limited to recent drug use, hair testing provides a comprehensive substance history, making it a superior tool for employers seeking to enforce drug-free workplace policies.
The accuracy of hair follicle testing surpasses that of urine tests. Hair samples cannot be easily tampered with, reducing the risk of adulteration. This method ensures reliable and trustworthy results, offering peace of mind to businesses and institutions concerned with maintaining a drug-free environment.
Hair testing in Los Lunas, NM, offers an unparalleled extended detection window. Capable of identifying substances used up to 90 days prior, it provides a comprehensive view into an individual's substance history. This facet is crucial for employers aiming to assess long-term drug use patterns in potential or current employees, facilitating informed decision-making.
The insight gained from said extended detection period enables businesses to enforce robust drug policies. By employing hair testing, employers receive a broader perspective on an individual’s habits, which can be instrumental in maintaining workplace safety and compliance.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Los Lunas, NM, significantly mitigates the risk of sample adulteration. Hair samples, unlike urine, cannot easily be substituted or tampered with, ensuring that results are dependable and accurate. This feature provides reassurance to those relying on drug test outcomes for critical decisions.
By reducing the chances of manipulation, hair testing guarantees that the results are genuine reflections of an individual's drug and alcohol use history. Employers and authorities can rely on this method for its integrity and trustworthiness, reinforcing the process's credibility.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient hair follicle test locations in Los Lunas, NM, and nationwide. With a widespread network of testing centers, individuals and companies have easy access to reliable testing services. Whether locally or across the country, these centers ensure quick and hassle-free appointments, saving time and providing prompt service.
The availability of numerous testing sites allows clients to manage their drug testing needs efficiently, ensuring they meet personal or professional obligations with ease and flexibility. This broad access underscores Accredicted Drug Testing's commitment to service and accessibility.
The hair follicle testing process in Los Lunas, NM, is straightforward and confidential. Ordering a test, providing a sample, and receiving results is streamlined to prioritize user privacy and convenience. Each step is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring minimal disruption to clients' day-to-day activities while maintaining stringent confidentiality standards.
This simple, secure method reassures individuals concerned about privacy. The focus on confidentiality and user experience makes hair follicle tests a preferred option for those seeking trustworthy and respectful testing procedures.
In Los Lunas, NM, hair follicle testing is competitively priced, coupled with fast turnaround times. Businesses of all sizes find value in this service due to its affordability and efficiency. The swift processing of samples ensures that clients receive timely results, pivotal for urgent or ongoing assessments.
Cost-effectiveness paired with reliable, quick outcomes makes hair follicle testing an appealing choice for companies seeking budget-friendly solutions without compromising on quality and accuracy. This affordability factor highlights Accredited Drug Testing’s offering as a valuable service for diverse requirements.
In Los Lunas, NM, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed. They provide fast, accurate, and reliable results, crucial for employers and institutions striving for prompt decision-making. The process of analysis is designed to detect substance use accurately, contributing to effective personnel management and regulatory compliance in the workplace.
The high reliability of hair follicle testing has established it as an essential tool for consistent drug screening programs. Its efficiency and low margin of error provide confidence to those needing decisive and trustworthy test outcomes, reaffirming its superior standing in drug testing methodologies.
For businesses in Los Lunas, NM, compliance and peace of mind are achievable through hair follicle testing. Using this method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, significantly decreasing potential legal risks and enhancing safety. Hair tests are a reliable indicator of long-term substance misuse, fostering confidence in maintaining a secure and compliant work environment.
Employers benefit from the assurance that they adhere to regulatory standards and promote a safer, drug-free workplace. The long detection span and tamper-resistant nature of the tests contribute to a holistic approach toward enforcing policies and protecting company interests.
