Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Oasis, NM

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a marker for long-term usage by locking biomarkers within the growing strand's fibers. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can offer an approximate 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Collection is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and simple to transport.

A sample sized 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (nearly the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is the perfect sample size for analysis. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We propose measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is not available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. Head hair is strictly scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The principal four steps in lab processing for a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the initial introduction of a sample into a lab’s system. This involves checking that the sample was properly sealed and transported, matching a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional necessary data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening offers a low-cost approach to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive result needs confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples marked as preliminarily positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.

When a sample is preliminarily positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than those in other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most intricate to execute.

Confirmation for any positive screening result is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples identified as preliminarily positive undergo a washing before Confirmation when necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the endorsement as per ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can identify drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection duration.
• Challenging to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is highly unlikely, thereby making results more reliable.
• Gives historical data: It can reveal a timeline of drug use over time, beyond recent use.

Drawbacks:

• Cannot pinpoint recent use: Detecting drugs in hair takes about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug testing typically costs more than other drug testing techniques.
• Result differences: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the drug metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the evaluation is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Oasis, NM outperforms traditional urine methods. Superior detection accuracy is one reason. Unlike urinary tests, hair testing effortlessly identifies substances over extended periods.

This method offers enhanced reliability due to its advanced detection means, providing substance information with impressive precision.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Oasis, NM extends the detectable period of substance use. While traditional tests are limited, hair follicle methods reveal drug histories up to 90 days, offering comprehensive substance insights.

Employers benefit from these Extended Detection Windows, allowing thorough evaluations for informed decisions about employees or applicants.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle assessments stand as a testing method that's exceptionally resistant to tampering in Oasis, NM. The procedure largely deters the risk of manipulation, ensuring reliable findings.

• Observed collection process significantly reduces tampering opportunities.
• Provides consistency and trust in substance use assessment.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenience marks the Accredited Drug Testing approach in Oasis, NM. Our Nationwide testing facilities allow easy access everywhere, simplifying testing endeavors for all involved.

• Locate local facilities rapidly.
• Efficient and user-friendly service model supports hassle-free testing.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Oasis, NM, our testing follows a simple and confidential methodology. Initiating, undergoing, and receiving test outcomes doesn't compromise on privacy or ease.

• Clear instructions at every stage support user-friendliness.
• Confidentiality guaranteed across all processes, enhancing trust.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our drug testing approach delivers affordable pricing and quick turnarounds, precisely for businesses in Oasis, NM. Committed to excellent value, these services cater to organizations of varied scales.

• Flexible pricing structures tailored to client needs.
• Timely results boost operational efficiency and decision-making.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Oasis, NM, hair follicle drug tests provide remarkably quick and dependable outcomes. Their precision is unmatched, ensuring high accuracy in substance detection. Users can expect results swiftly, without compromising on reliability.

The advanced nature of hair testing delivers (Fast and Accurate results) four ensured by advanced methodologies, repeated positive outcomes bolstered by cutting-edge technology.