Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are recognized as an effective means for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within its strands while growing. Collected near the scalp, it provides an approximately three-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, moderately tamper-resistant, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. A jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, equivalent body hair can be collected. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses other types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The processing of drug test outcomes in a lab involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the primary phase where a sample is integrated into a lab's system. This phase includes verifying correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid check for substance abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified for it to be legally valid. Presumptively positive samples during Screening mandate a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepped for Extraction. This stage entails extracting drugs from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), emphasizing why hair drug testing is the most complex methodology.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is thoroughly reviewed following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the actual test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Ojo Amarillo, NM
In contrast to traditional urine tests, hair testing provides superior detection capability and consistency in Ojo Amarillo. While urine tests are limited to recent consumption, hair tests reveal prolonged substance use, offering a broader timeframe for detection. The accuracy and resilience against tampering enhance hair testing's value as a more dependable option.
Extended Detection Window in Ojo Amarillo, NM
The extended detection capabilities of hair follicle tests provide a fuller picture of an individual's substance usage up to 90 days prior. This prolonged detection window grants employers deeper insight into an applicant or employee's habits, contributing to informed decision-making and fostering a culture of transparency in Ojo Amarillo.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ojo Amarillo, NM
With significant barriers to tampering, hair follicle tests in Ojo Amarillo offer unparalleled reliability. Unlike urine samples, which can be adulterated, hair testing resists manipulation, ensuring the authenticity of the results. This tamper-resistant approach provides stakeholders with confidence in the data's integrity, promoting trust and accountability.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Ojo Amarillo, NM
Accredited Drug Testing provides accessible testing services across the nation, including Ojo Amarillo. This wide network ensures that employees and individuals can easily access testing without the hassle. The convenience of having multiple locations supports quick and efficient drug testing, reducing downtime and allowing for seamless service.
Simple, Confidential Process in Ojo Amarillo, NM
The process for hair follicle testing in Ojo Amarillo is designed with simplicity and confidentiality in mind. From the initial order to receiving results, the system is streamlined to protect privacy and facilitate ease of use. This approach addresses common concerns, ensuring a comfortable experience for all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ojo Amarillo, NM
Our competitive pricing and swift result delivery make hair follicle testing a cost-effective option for businesses of varying sizes in Ojo Amarillo. This balance of affordability and efficiency ensures that companies receive excellent value while maintaining high standards of testing rigor and speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ojo Amarillo, NM
Hair follicle drug tests in Ojo Amarillo are synonymous with precision and expediency. These tests are renowned for their ability to detect substance use with high accuracy, ensuring that results can be trusted. The quick processing times not only offer rapid answers but also maintain a high standard of reliability, making them a preferred choice.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ojo Amarillo, NM
Utilizing hair follicle tests aids employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace mandates. In Ojo Amarillo, this contributes to legal risk mitigation and the enhancement of workplace safety. Employers benefit from the assurance that policies are being adhered to, facilitating a secure and productive environment for all employees.
