Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Mescalero, NM

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as a key method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and drug intake by sequestering biomarkers within the hair strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of around 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Its collection is straightforward, it's challenging to tamper with, and it ships easily.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, test add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen is advised. If no scalp hair is available, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. Here, head hair specifically means scalp hair, while body hair includes all other kinds of hair (like facial or axillary hairs).

Process Overview

The primary steps in processing a drug test in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial entry of a sample into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample's seal and shipment were intact, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any further data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary examination for substances of abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-effective means to exclude drug use for most samples, any positive results must be verified for court acceptance. Samples showing positive results in Screening require subsequent confirmation.

For samples showing possible positive results in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. This process extracts drugs from hair in much lower concentrations than in other analyses (such as urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening more intricate to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed before confirmation as required. From Accessioning through Confirmation, the full lab process is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can uncover drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine testing, which has a narrower detection range.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is quite difficult, enhancing the accuracy of results.
• Shows usage trends: This method reveals patterns of drug use over a time span, not solely recent use.

Limitations:

• Can't detect recent use: Drugs take about 5-7 days to become evident in hair.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests incur higher costs than alternative drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can alter the drug metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: Referred to as "hair follicle tests", the assessment actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Mescalero, NM. Hair tests provide superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests.

• The chemical stability of hair samples ensures accurate detection of drug usage over time.
• The comprehensive nature of hair analysis delivers greater insight into an individual's substance use history.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Mescalero, NM is a notable advantage of hair follicle testing.

• With a detection period of up to 90 days, employers gain a fuller understanding of an individual's substance use history.
• This extensive timeframe surpasses that of urine tests, making hair analysis a more thorough option.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method ensures reliable outcomes in Mescalero, NM.

• Hair follicle tests greatly minimize the possibility of sample adulteration.
• The reliability of results remains unchallenged, providing peace of mind to employers and individuals alike.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations are available in Mescalero, NM.

• With a plethora of testing centers, accessing services is quick and straightforward.
• Our local and nationwide centers offer hassle-free and seamless testing experiences.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Mescalero, NM guarantees ease and privacy.

• The process of ordering, testing, and receiving results is straightforward and secure.
• We ensure that personal privacy is upheld throughout each step of testing.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Mescalero, NM provide exceptional value.

• We offer competitive pricing structures tailored to various company sizes.
• Quick turnaround times are ensured, providing peace of mind and excellent service value.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Mescalero, NM are vital, and hair follicle drug tests deliver exceptional precision and timeliness.

• The high accuracy in identifying substance use makes hair follicle tests a preferred choice.
• The swift processing of results ensures that individuals and employers receive timely and dependable outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Mescalero, NM with hair follicle testing.

• Ensuring adherence to workplace drug-free policies reduces legal risks for businesses.
• This method enhances workplace safety and fosters a secure working environment.

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