What it is, How it works

Recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing delivers an extensive history of usage by capturing biomarkers within the hair fiber. When hair is collected near the scalp, it provides a detection horizon extending up to three months for alcohol and drugs. This method of collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple for shipping.

To obtain an optimal sample for analysis, a 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hairs—comparable to a #2 pencil in size—closest to the scalp is recommended, yielding approximately 100mg. For tests involving EtG, additional analyses, or those surpassing 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. Measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale ensures accuracy. Should scalp hair be unobtainable, a comparable volume of body hair is permissible. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The drug test laboratory processing includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning denotes the beginning phase where a sample is integrated into the laboratory system. It involves confirming secure sealing and shipping, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any necessary data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening serves as an initial scan for drugs of abuse. Although cost-effective for ruling out drug use across most samples, a positive screening results require confirmation for legal validity. Samples with presumptive positive results in screening necessitate additional confirmation.

In the event of a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the specimen for the Extraction phase. Drugs are extracted from hair in significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing a particularly challenging methodology.

Confirming a positive screening outcome is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the laboratory process is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criterion and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

Extended detection window: Capable of identifying drug usage up to 90 days, hair drug tests offer a longer detection window compared to urine tests.
Resistance to tampering: The difficulty in cheating a hair drug test increases result accuracy.
Offers pattern analysis: Provides a history of drug use patterns over time, not solely recent use.

Limitations:

Cannot identify recent usage: It requires about 5-7 days for drugs to be traceable in hair.
Expense: Generally, hair drug tests have a higher cost compared to alternative testing methods.
Result variability: Elements like hair color and growth rate can alter drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Excels Above Urine Testing in Ojo Feliz, NM

When comparing testing methods, hair follicle testing stands out remarkably against traditional urine tests. It's not just the breadth of its detection period; it also offers superior reliability. While urine tests might reveal recent usage, hair tests encompass months of substance use history, offering decisive insights.

Unmatched Detection Duration: Hair testing reviews up to 90 days of use, far exceeding urine tests.
Reliability: Due to the nature of hair samples, tampering is minimized, ensuring precision.
Comprehensive Overview: Gives employers a more accurate insight into repeated substance consumption.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Ojo Feliz, NM

90-Day Overview: A significant benefit of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over a 90-day period, offering a more holistic view compared to other methods.
Comprehensive Substance History: For employers, understanding an employee's history of substance use becomes more effective, allowing them to make informed decisions.
Reliable Insight: Covers a broader timeline, reflecting patterns of use that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ojo Feliz, NM

Integrity in Testing: Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering, offering results that are stable and unquestionable.
Uncompromising Authenticity: The methodology ensures that the sample's integrity is maintained throughout the process.
Peace of Mind: For businesses and legal systems, this reliability translates into security and trust when evaluating substance use.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Sites in Ojo Feliz, NM

With testing facilities spread across the country, access becomes simple and straightforward. From major cities to local sites, including Ojo Feliz, NM, arranging a test is hassle-free and quick.
Whether you're in a bustling city or a small town, our network ensures that quality testing services are just around the corner.

Nationwide Reach: With our vast number of locations, finding a convenient testing site is effortless.
Local Convenience: Even in more remote locations, like Ojo Feliz, access to reliable testing is assured.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Ojo Feliz, NM

Simplicity at its Best: The process of ordering, participating in, and receiving drug test results is designed to be as straightforward as possible.
Ensuring Privacy: In every step, from collection to results, confidentiality is maintained, addressing privacy concerns efficiently.
Easily Accessible: With a streamlined approach, testing becomes a smooth experience.

Employers and individuals can feel secure in the confidential, straightforward procedure, ensuring comfort and privacy.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ojo Feliz, NM

Competitive Rates: Our pricing structures are designed to provide excellent value, making comprehensive drug testing accessible for businesses of all sizes.
Expedited Results: Despite the detailed processes, results are returned swiftly, keeping hiring and compliance timelines intact.
Value for Money: With affordability paired with rapid testing outcomes, peace of mind is guaranteed for our clients.

From small enterprises to large corporations, our services are priced competitively to ensure that everyone can benefit from reliable drug testing.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ojo Feliz, NM

Precision at Its Core: Hair follicle tests deliver results that are both swift and remarkably precise, identifying substances with high accuracy.
Quick Turnaround: While the hair analysis covers a broad scope, it does so quickly, providing rapid insights for urgent decisions.
High Accuracy: The nature of hair tests reduces the chance of false positives or negatives, ensuring reliability.

Employers increasingly rely on such methodologies for both pre-employment and ongoing compliance checks.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ojo Feliz, NM

Sustaining Drug-Free Environments: By opting for hair follicle tests, employers ensure their spaces adhere to drug-free policies efficiently.
Legal Safeguards: Reducing the risk of legal disputes related to drug use through trustworthy testing methodologies.
Enhancing Workplace Safety: With accurate detection, promoting a safe and productive work environment becomes achievable.

Employers benefit from a compliant, safer, and more productive workforce.