Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a record keeper for alcohol and drug usage over time by retaining biomarkers within the strands' fibers as the hair grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a three-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Collection of hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and easily transported.
A sample of hair measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of around 200 strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent volume of body hair can be collected. Referencing head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome encompasses four crucial steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory framework. This step includes confirming the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary swift assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective measure to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is gathered from the original specimen for the Extraction process. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
Confirming any positive results from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples detected as presumptively positive undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis involves the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
The advantages of hair follicle testing over urine tests in Ojo Caliente, NM are abundant. One major benefit is its superior detection accuracy and reliability. This method excels in identifying long-term substance use, offering a better overview than more traditional urine tests.
Hair tests offer a more comprehensive detection spectrum. Unlike urine tests, which only capture recent drug use, hair tests reveal a broader history, strengthening their use in workplaces and judicial systems.
In Ojo Caliente, NM, hair follicle testing offers a notable extended detection window of up to 90 days. This extended period is pivotal for employers seeking a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's substance habits.
The 90-day detection window is unrivaled by traditional testing, offering employers insight into longer-term drug use. This comprehensive view is invaluable in making informed hiring and management decisions.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Ojo Caliente, NM fundamentally enhances the integrity of drug testing. Its reliance on hair samples makes it extremely difficult for individuals to alter test outcomes.
Sample adulteration is notably reduced with hair testing methods. This robustness ensures that results are reliable and untampered, providing peace of mind for both employers and testing subjects.
Our network, including local centers in Ojo Caliente, NM, ensures convenient access. With numerous nationwide locations, testing is made easy and hassle-free, regardless of where you are located.
The extensive availability of testing facilities eliminates logistical challenges. Residents of Ojo Caliente benefit from the proximity and quick service of local testing locations, enhancing the overall experience.
The process of hair follicle testing in Ojo Caliente, NM, is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to protect privacy while ensuring ease of use.
Streamlined and discreet, the testing procedure caters to individuals' comfort and privacy. These aspects are prioritized, resulting in a seamless experience from start to finish, building user confidence.
Offering competitive pricing, our hair follicle testing services in Ojo Caliente, NM, are not only cost-effective but also deliver quick results. We aim to provide exceptional value, catering to businesses of all sizes.
With fast turnaround and affordable rates, our services stand out. This affordability ensures that any firm can maintain drug-free policies without financial strain, facilitating better workplace practices.
In Ojo Caliente, NM, accuracy and speed are at the forefront of our hair follicle drug testing services. This method ensures swift and precise detection of illicit substances, surpassing traditional testing methods. The detailed analysis provides reliable results, reflecting our commitment to accuracy.
Hair follicle testing is distinguished by its ability to deliver high-confidence results in a reduced timeframe. The method's precision enhances trust in outcomes, making it a preferred choice for timely and effective drug screening.
For employers in Ojo Caliente, NM, hair follicle testing guarantees compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By adopting this method, companies can significantly reduce their legal liabilities and create a safer work environment.
Hair follicle testing not only aids in policy enforcement but also promotes workplace safety. It reassures employers through comprehensive drug screening, ensuring that risks associated with substance abuse are minimized.
