Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Mcintosh, NM

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair records a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the developing hair strand. When hair is collected from the scalp area, it can offer a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch section that includes approximately 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair is permissible. Reference to head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other varieties (such as facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into the laboratory system. This includes a check to ensure the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is an economical means to exclude drug use for most samples, any positive screen must be verified to be court-admissible. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial collection for the Extraction phase. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug testing the most complex methodology.

Confirmation of a positive screen result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation if required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection period.
• Difficulty to tamper: Hair drug tests are notably difficult to cheat, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Offers historical insight: It can furnish an overview of substance use patterns over time, rather than just recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Drugs require approximately 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Generally speaking, hair drug tests are costlier compared to other methodologies.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and individual hair growth discrepancies can influence drug metabolite concentrations in the hair.

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

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In McIntosh, NM, the preference for hair follicle tests has grown due to their superior detection accuracy over traditional urine tests. Hair follicle testing surpasses the capabilities of other methods by providing reliable, difficult-to-manipulate results. It brings clarity and assurance to employers, courts, and professionals seeking dependable drug use insights.

Extended Detection Window

With a remarkable detection period extending up to 90 days, hair follicle testing provides employers in McIntosh, NM, with a thorough history of an individual’s substance use. This extensive timeline is critical for making informed decisions concerning employment or legal obligations. The extended window holds significant benefits for long-term substance monitoring.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle drug tests in McIntosh, NM, are known for their tamper-resistant nature. This method greatly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, delivering results that are reliable and credible. Such security in testing ensures that detected substance use patterns reflect genuine behaviors, promoting accuracy in crucial evaluations.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our nationwide testing locations, including those in McIntosh, NM, offer unmatched convenience for all your testing needs. With easily accessible centers, scheduling and completing tests is hassle-free, ensuring quick and efficient service. You can rely on our widespread network for timely and convenient access to testing facilities.

Simple, Confidential Process

The simple and confidential process of hair follicle testing in McIntosh, NM, addresses client concerns about privacy and convenience. The straightforward steps from ordering to receiving results are designed for ease of use, providing a seamless experience for those undergoing drug testing.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

We offer affordable pricing and a fast turnaround on hair follicle testing services in McIntosh, NM. Our competitive pricing structure ensures great value while maintaining high-quality standards, making our services accessible to companies of any size without compromising on efficiency or cost-effectiveness.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug testing in McIntosh, NM, offers speed and precision that are unmatched. The high accuracy of hair tests ensures trustworthy detection of substance use and provides rapid results. This testing method minimizes delays, delivering reliable outcomes swiftly. Choosing this approach secures a fast turnaround that is essential for timely decision-making.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in McIntosh, NM, gain peace of mind and ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This method mitigates legal risks and enhances safety, making it an essential strategy for businesses aiming to maintain a healthy work environment. It supports adherence to stringent workplace standards.

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