Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Ranchito, NM

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is regarded as a potent instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarker residues within the strands as it grows over time, offering a lengthy account of substance use. When obtained near the scalp, hair can present a detection span for up to around three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

An optimal sample for both screening and confirmation is a 1.5-inch section consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil), harvested nearest to the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair. For EtG, enhancements, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain explicitly to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory process for evaluating a drug test outcome is divided into four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning covers the initial input of a sample into a lab's system. This step ensures the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any pending data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening conducts a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient strategy to exclude drug usage in most samples, confirming positive screens is necessary for legal admissibility. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening mandatorily require secondary confirmation.

For any presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), setting hair drug screening apart as the most challenging technique to execute.

Confirmation of positive screening outcomes employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Any samples with a presumptive positive status are cleansed before confirmation as warranted. The entire laboratory cycle from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized compliant with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Expansive detection period: Hair drug assessments can trace drug intake for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests that have a restricted detection span.
• Difficult to manipulate: Efforts to deceive a hair drug test are significantly challenging, enhancing the precision of results.
• Historical insight: Facilitates a chronological record of drug usage over time, beyond just recent activities.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent consumption: It generally requires 5-7 days for drugs to become evident in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug analyses typically incur greater costs than alternative drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements like hair pigmentation and individual variations in hair growth may influence the concentration of drug remnants in the hair.

Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Ranchito, NM, hair follicle testing has notable advantages over urine testing for drug detection. Firstly, hair tests offer superior detection accuracy with a longer detection window. Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide more reliable results due to their robust examination method, ensuring trustworthy data for employers to maintain a drug-free environment.

Extended Detection Window

For an extensive detection window in Ranchito, NM, hair follicle tests are invaluable. These tests unveil drug use spanning up to 90 days, providing employers with a comprehensive view of substance histories. By examining this extended period, organizations gain deeper insights into individuals' habits, supporting informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

By favoring hair follicle tests in Ranchito, NM, the risk of sample tampering is minimized. This method ensures tamper-resistant testing, providing confidence in the authenticity of results. Unlike urine tests, hair testing reduces adulteration risk, delivering results that stand up to scrutiny and satisfy rigorous standards.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our testing services in Ranchito, NM, and across the country offer unmatched convenience. With numerous centers nationwide, access to reliable testing is quick and hassle-free. Clients benefit from easily accessible local options, ensuring no delay in crucial testing processes.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Ranchito, NM, the process of hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the procedure respects privacy and usability concerns. Clients are assured a smooth experience that aligns with their expectations for service and confidentiality.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our hair follicle testing in Ranchito, NM, provides excellent value for businesses. Companies, irrespective of size, benefit from efficient service delivery, making drug testing an economically viable option for maintaining a safe work environment.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Ranchito, NM, hair follicle testing offers fast, reliable results. This method provides excellent accuracy in detecting substance use, making it superior to other testing forms. The precision of hair tests ensures that employers receive dependable results promptly, creating a streamlined process for hiring decisions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing in Ranchito, NM, aids in workplace compliance. It ensures adherence to drug-free policies, reducing legal exposure and enhancing safety. Employers benefit from the reliable results provided by hair tests, as these serve as a clear deterrent against substance misuse.

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