Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Raton, NM

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and narcotics by embedding biomarkers in the fibers as hair grows. When sampled near the scalp, it can present nearly a quarter-year detection period for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the ideal quantity for both primary screening and further verification. For EtG, additional tests, or more comprehensive panels beyond 10, 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the evidence is suggested. Should scalp hair be absent, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be taken. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Overview

The lab processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab’s system. This phase includes confirming the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic custody chain.

Screening offers a preliminary examination for substance abuse. Although it serves as an economical method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptive positive samples in Screening necessitate further verification.

If a sample flags as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are removed from hair at concentrations lower than other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.

Positive screenings are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples suspected to be positive are washed before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation complies with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug analysis can reveal substance use dating back 90 days, whereas urine tests detect over a shorter duration.
• Hard to deceive: Tampering with hair drug analysis is notably difficult, increasing result accuracy.
• Historical insight: The test provides a timeline of drug use, indicating a pattern rather than a snapshot of recent use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent usage: Drugs become discernible in hair after about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair analysis tends to be costlier compared to other testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual growth variations can influence drug metabolite concentrations.

Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used, but the actual analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle testing with urine testing in Raton, NM, hair tests clearly outperform traditional methods. Hair testing is more reliable and can detect substance use over an extended period, offering superior accuracy. While urine tests may miss long-term substance usage, hair tests provide a comprehensive picture of an individual's drug use history, making them a more trusted choice.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Raton, NM, offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, giving a thorough view of an individual's substance history. This extended period helps employers evaluate a candidate or employee's long-term drug use patterns, ensuring that they make informed decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of the person's drug history.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Raton, NM, hair follicle tests are a tamper-resistant testing method, minimizing the risk of sample tampering. This reliability ensures that test results are accurate and unquestionable, offering peace of mind to employers and authorities who rely on truthful data to enforce drug-free policies and maintain workplace safety.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenience is a key feature of Accredited Drug Testing locations in Raton, NM. With nationwide testing centers, accessing drug testing services is quick and hassle-free. Local and nationwide availability ensures that testing is accessible to everyone, providing a seamless experience for those needing hair follicle drug tests in Raton and beyond.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Raton, NM, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. Easy ordering, testing, and result retrieval ensure privacy and simplicity, addressing any concerns. This ensures that both individuals and organizations can conduct tests comfortably, knowing their privacy is protected throughout the process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

With competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Raton, NM, offers exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. This affordability combined with quick results provides companies with peace of mind, ensuring that they receive quality services without breaking the budget while still maintaining high standards of accuracy and speed.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle drug test in Raton, NM, offers quick and accurate detection of substance use. Its precision ensures reliable outcomes, providing a dependable option for those seeking accurate drug testing results. The speed and accuracy of these tests make them a preferred method among employers and individuals who prioritize precise substance use detection.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing in Raton, NM, offers employers a reliable way to comply with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and improving safety. This dependable method ensures that businesses adhere to regulations while maintaining a safe environment. Compliance and peace of mind are achieved through the accurate assessment of employee substance use histories.

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