What it is, How it works

Hair examinations have gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fiber structure of the expanding hair strand. When extracted from near the scalp, hair can present approximately a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

An extraction of a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the optimum quantity for analysis and validation. For EtG, supplemental tests, and evaluations exceeding 10 panels, acquiring 150mg of the sample is advised. It's suggested to gauge the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used as a substitute. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair refers to other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The core stages in laboratory handling of a drug test outcome encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial entry of a sample into a laboratory’s database. This step ensures the sample's sealing and proper shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data not included by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-effective approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated for court submissions. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate secondary verification.

Should a sample be presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug analysis poses greater complexity.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation receives scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligns with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

Long detection window: Hair analysis can identify drug usage for up to 90 days, as opposed to shorter detection spans of urine tests.
Difficulty to cheat: Hair drug tests are challenging to manipulate, resulting in more precise outcomes.
Provides historical data: Offers a timeline of drug use over an extended period, not limited to recent activity.

Limitations:

Cannot detect recent use: Detecting drugs in hair requires approximately 5-7 days.
Cost: Hair drug analyses tend to be more costly compared to other testing techniques.
Variations in results: Elements such as hair color and personal hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure inspects the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Ramah, NM, hair follicle testing has overtaken traditional urine tests due to its superior benefits. Hair testing offers enhanced detection accuracy and reliability, effectively identifying substance use over a longer duration. In comparison, urine tests are limited in their detection window, often missing drug use that occurred outside a short timeframe.

The benefits of hair testing are evident in its ability to reveal a complete history of drug use, making it a preferred choice for employers and legal entities in Ramah, NM. This advanced detection capability ensures a fuller picture compared to standard urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Ramah, NM, provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days, offering employers a comprehensive overview of substance use history. This extended period is especially beneficial for evaluating long-term patterns of use, which short-duration tests like urine may miss.

For employers seeking a detailed and historical insight into an individual’s substance habits, hair follicle testing is unmatched. Its ability to showcase drug use over a significant period equips employers with vital information, enhancing decision-making processes.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests represent a tamper-resistant method in Ramah, NM, significantly reducing the risk of adulteration. The reliability of results is ensured through the test's inherent design, making it difficult, if not impossible, to alter the sample.

This strength in resistance to tampering highlights the trustworthiness of hair tests, providing unquestionable results for critical decisions. Employers and authorities alike can depend on this method for assured integrity in testing outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing features convenient testing locations nationwide, including local accessibility in Ramah, NM, providing effortless access to testing services for both individuals and organizations. With a robust network, promptly accessing a testing center is hassle-free.

The convenience of nearby locations simplifies the testing process, making it quick and straightforward for residents of Ramah, NM, ensuring seamless integration into routine or one-off drug testing needs.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of hair follicle testing in Ramah, NM is both simple and confidential, designed to address any privacy concerns. From ordering to receiving results, the procedure is crafted to maintain individual privacy and ease of use.

This straightforward approach ensures that those requiring testing can undergo the process without complication, offering complete transparency and discretion throughout, making it a preferred choice for many.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Ramah, NM, hair follicle testing provides affordable pricing combined with fast turnaround times, delivering excellent value to businesses of every size. Our competitive pricing structures ensure that cost efficiency does not compromise the quality of service rendered.

Rapid results coupled with cost-effective solutions mean that companies can rest assured they are receiving quality service while watching their bottom line, ensuring budget compliance without sacrificing accuracy.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and rapid results of hair follicle drug tests make them a preferred choice in Ramah, NM. Hair tests provide highly accurate detection of substance use, allowing for quick and reliable results. This efficiency is essential in situations where fast decision-making in hiring or compliance is required.

By emphasizing speed and accuracy, hair follicle tests distinguish themselves from other testing methods. With their capability for swift analysis, these tests are indispensable for organizations prioritizing timely and correct drug testing outcomes in Ramah, NM.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Ramah, NM, utilizing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, offering peace of mind to employers. This method reduces legal risks and enhances safety, crucial for maintaining a productive and hazard-free environment.

Employers benefit from hair follicle testing by aligning their practices with regulatory standards. The test’s accuracy and extended detection window ensure thorough compliance, safeguarding both the reputation and operational efficiency of businesses.