Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a compelling method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a lengthy history of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers into the growing hair strand's fibers. When gathered near the scalp, the hair provides an approximately 3-month detection window for alcohol and other drugs. Hair samples are easy to gather, relatively challenging to adulterate, and straightforward to mail.
A 1.5-inch snippet of roughly 200 strands of hair (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, supplemental tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest weighing the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is not attainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When referencing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a specimen into a lab's database. This comprises ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While the Screening step is a cost-effective means to exclude drug use on most samples, any positive finding must be confirmed for court acceptance. Any samples with a potential positive result in the Screening step require further confirmation.
If a specimen is potentially positive in Screening, additionally, hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this stage, the extraction of drugs from hair occurs at a lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminary positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is validated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests in Ocate, NM, the former emerges as the superior choice. Hair testing offers broader detection capabilities, uncovering substance usage with greater precision and reliability. While urine tests detect recent drug use, hair analysis encompasses a more comprehensive timeline.
The enhanced detection reliability of hair tests compels many employers and agencies to choose this method over others. It leaves little room for error, providing confidence in results unattainable with common urine tests. Hair testing also circumvents possible issues with adherence and tampering.
Hair follicle testing in Ocate, NM boasts an extended detection window, capturing drug use up to 90 days prior. Employers gain a thorough understanding of a candidate or employee's substance habits, beyond what's feasible with other tests. This timeframe allows for more comprehensive screening.
The broader detection scope of hair analysis stands as a strategic advantage for organizations seeking clarity in substance use history. Circumventing the limitations of short-term tests, this method aligns closely with the needs of diligent employers.
In Ocate, NM, hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant screening method. The risk of sample alteration is significantly reduced, ensuring trustworthy and genuine test outcomes. Sample integrity is preserved, offering peace of mind to testers and those reliant on test findings.
The tamper-proof nature of hair testing reinforces its reliability, eliminating a common vulnerability in drug testing processes. The assurance of reliable results supports stringent standards in enforcement and policy compliance across various sectors.
Our testing centers in Ocate, NM and across the nation enable convenient access to hair follicle testing services. This extensive network ensures ease and expedience in obtaining testing without geographical constraints, reducing the logistical burden for individuals and organizations alike.
With nationwide and local locations, stress-free access to these vital services supports seamless operational behaviors. Clients appreciate the hassle-free experience, reflecting the client-oriented focus of our testing framework.
The process of conducting hair follicle tests in Ocate, NM is both straightforward and confidential. Easy ordering, seamless testing, and quick delivery of results respect the privacy of individuals and the operational priorities of organizations, safeguarding information at each step.
This approach to privacy and process simplicity assists in promoting the willingness of candidates to participate. Understanding and ease are centerpieces in ensuring a positive experience for all involved, from HR specialists to individuals undergoing tests.
With highly competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, Ocate, NM finds hair follicle testing to be an economically viable solution. Organizations of all sizes benefit from this cost-effective approach, receiving valuable security assurances without financial strain.
This start-to-finish efficiency represents critical value, enabling businesses to maintain conscientious workforce practices while minimizing expenses. The alignment of affordability with comprehensive testing criteria mirrors smart organizational strategies.
Ocate, NM stands behind the accuracy and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests. The method boasts unmatched precision in identifying substance use, displaying a significant edge over other testing options. Results are prompt and dependable, forming a cornerstone of effective and efficient testing protocols in New Mexico.
Timely detection of substance use ensures swift action. Testing hair provides rapid insights into usage patterns, establishing this method's reputation for quick and reliable results. Organizations can make informed decisions, prioritizing the safety and well-being of their environments.
Employers in Ocate, NM find peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This methodology aids compliance with drug-free workplace policies and reduces legal liabilities. The improved safety and security it offers enhance organizational risk management and workforce reliability.
By opting for hair tests, companies can confidently establish drug-free cultures. This proactive stance in employee screening supports a stable and compliant business environment, directly benefiting both operational safety and legal adherence.
