Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and drug intake by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal use of alcohol and drugs over a period of up to around 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising approximately 200 strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides about 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample weighing 150mg is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair might be collected. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails introducing a sample into a laboratory’s system. This involves confirming the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Though it's a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. Presumptive positive samples from Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For samples testing presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening results is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, presumptive positive samples are washed as necessary. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Advantages of Hair Testing Over Urine Testing in Pinedale, NM: The hair follicle method provides unprecedented detection accuracy. Its reliability surpasses traditional urine tests, easily identifying substance use over lengthy periods, offering more dependable results.
Hair testing stands out in Pinedale by overcoming the limitations of urine tests. Its precision in detecting a wide range of substances ensures trustworthy results, making it an excellent choice for comprehensive substance history evaluation.
Extended Detection Window in Pinedale, NM: Hair follicle drug testing offers significant insight into a subject's substance use history up to 90 days. This longer detection window benefits employers, providing a more complete view.
Employers in Pinedale prefer hair testing for its extended detection capabilities. It highlights not just recent usage, but patterns over three months, offering a compelling picture of an individual's substance interaction.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Pinedale, NM: Hair follicle testing is extremely difficult to adulterate, ensuring that results are both authentic and reliable, which is a prominent advantage for employers needing certainty.
This method minimizes the risk of sample tampering inherent in other testing types. In Pinedale, it provides assurance that the results are genuine, increasing trust in the data acquired from the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Pinedale, NM: Accredited Drug Testing guarantees accessibility with a vast network of testing centers providing swift, simple access to drug testing services.
Our local presence in Pinedale complements our nationwide reach, ensuring testing services are within easy reach. This convenience underscores our commitment to hassle-free testing services anywhere, anytime.
Simple, Confidential Process in Pinedale, NM: Our straightforward testing process assures confidentiality from booking to results, addressing privacy while maintaining ease of use.
Clients in Pinedale can trust the discretion of their drug test journey. The entire process is designed with user-friendliness in mind, ensuring a stress-free experience throughout.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Pinedale, NM: Competitive pricing models combined with rapid result delivery certify our testing as an excellent value, accommodating companies of all sizes.
In Pinedale, the balance of affordability and quick service ensures clients receive maximum benefit, ensuring laboratory proficiency without straining budgets.
Pinedale, NM: Hair follicle drug testing boasts unmatched precision in detecting substance use. The swift analytical process ensures high accuracy, making it the preferred choice for employers aiming for efficacy.
The reliability of hair testing stands out in Pinedale. Its sophisticated methods deliver quick and precise results, providing a compelling alternative to traditional testing methods, ensuring confidence in detecting substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Pinedale, NM: Using hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. It protects businesses legally and promotes a safe working environment.
Businesses in Pinedale utilizing hair testing reduce legal liabilities by ensuring employee compliance with safety standards, thus fostering workplace trust and enhancing overall company security.