Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now considered a highly effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture a historical record of alcohol and drug use as it traps biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When sourced close to the scalp, hair can reveal substance use history for up to around three months. Hair collection is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches in length consisting of approximately 200 strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for both screening and verification. A specimen weight of 150mg is suggested for EtG, add-on tests, and/or panels exceeding 10. Utilizing a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is advisable. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable volume of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair solely imply scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other varieties (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test outcome includes four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample within a lab's system. This step verifies the proper sealing and transport of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any additional data entry omitted from an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening serves as an initial expedited assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to hold validity in judicial settings. Any samples that suggest positive results in Screening necessitate further verification.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is separated from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, the extraction of drugs from hair occurs at far lower concentrations than other techniques (for instance, urine or oral fluid), underscoring the challenge of hair drug testing.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory process ranging from Accessioning through to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and the standards of ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle underneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Placitas, NM
The benefits of hair testing over traditional urine tests are evident through superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests surpass urine tests by offering a wider detection window and providing a more comprehensive evaluation of an individual's substance history. This method substantially reduces the likelihood of result manipulation, thus reinforcing its credibility.
Extended Detection Window in Placitas, NM
Hair follicle testing is a superior choice due to its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This feature offers employers a comprehensive snapshot of an employee’s or applicant’s substance use history, making it a valuable tool in maintaining workplace safety and compliance with drug-free policies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Placitas, NM
Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering, rendering the results reliable and trustworthy. The observed collection process fortifies the integrity of the test, ensuring that attempts to adulterate samples are effectively nullified. This robustness delivers confidence in the testing outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Placitas, NM
Our nationwide network of testing centers, including those in Placitas, NM, ensures that access to our testing services is both quick and straightforward. This widespread availability allows for hassle-free scheduling and execution of hair follicle tests, facilitating an untroubled and smooth experience for all users.
Simple, Confidential Process in Placitas, NM
With our straightforward and confidential process for ordering, undertaking, and receiving results, we address all privacy and usability concerns. The ease of use ensures that individuals can undergo testing with minimal disruption and full privacy, thereby making the entire experience as seamless as possible.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Placitas, NM
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times represent excellent value, especially for businesses of varying sizes. By optimizing affordability with rapid result delivery, we enable companies to maintain their budgetary constraints while ensuring comprehensive drug testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Placitas, NM
Hair follicle drug testing offers precision and speed unparalleled by other methods. The accuracy in detecting substance use is remarkably high, ensuring that results are dependable and arrive swiftly. These tests not only promise reliability but also guarantee quick turnaround times, accommodating the needs of both employers and individuals seeking precise analysis.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Placitas, NM
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers fulfill compliance requirements with drug-free workplace policies, thereby reducing legal exposures while enhancing safety. Organizations can benefit from the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are protecting their employees and safeguarding their operational integrity.
