Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term evidence of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers within the core of the developing hair strand. Acquiring hair close to the scalp can yield a detection timeframe of up to roughly 3 months for substances like alcohol and other drugs. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and transportation is simple.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches from around 200 hairs (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp supplies 100mg of hair, perfect for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or screenings exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. It is advised to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair isn't an option, a comparable quantity of body hair can be taken. When addressing head hair, we focus exclusively on scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses all other variants (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The progression towards a drug test result in a lab consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning denotes the initial introduction of a sample into the lab’s framework. This encompasses verifying proper sealing and dispatch of the sample, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inserting any additional information missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial cursory examination for drug usage. While Screening economically helps to eliminate drug use in most cases, evidence suitable for court necessitates positive confirmation. Samples yielding a presumptive positive in Screening demand a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample exhibit a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this process, substances are isolated from hair at much reduced concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity and precision required in hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive readings from Screening utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminary positive samples undergo a pre-confirmation wash if needed. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is assessed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specifications and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly dubbed as "hair follicle tests," the actual analysis targets the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp
The advantages of hair follicle testing in Red River, NM, are evident when compared to conventional urine screenings. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy, catching substance use patterns that urine tests might miss. This meticulous approach ensures that organizations make decisions based on accurate drug-use histories, bolstering trust in their drug testing processes.
In Red River, NM, one significant benefit of hair follicle testing is its extended detection period. These tests can reveal drug use over up to 90 days, offering employers a holistic perspective on an applicant's or employee's substance history. This broader window of detection facilitates more informed hiring and management decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Red River, NM, are extremely tamper-resistant, minimizing the potential for sample manipulation. This feature provides reliable, unquestionable results, a step above other methods susceptible to deceit. Employers can confidently rely on these tests, knowing the integrity of the process remains intact.
In Red River, NM, the convenience of nationwide and local testing centers ensures that accessing hair follicle testing services is straightforward. Clients benefit from quick, easy, and hassle-free access, reducing the stress often associated with drug testing. These centers are strategically placed to offer instant accessibility no matter where clients are located.
For Red River, NM residents, the hair follicle testing process remains simple and confidential. Users can effortlessly order, take the test, and receive results while maintaining privacy. This discreet and user-friendly approach addresses potential concerns, making the experience seamless and unobtrusive for all involved.
In Red River, NM, organizations enjoy competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle drug tests. This affordability ensures that companies of all sizes can access these essential services without financial strain, while also profiting from speedy results that keep their operations running smoothly and worry-free.
In Red River, NM, hair follicle drug tests offer fast and reliable results, delivering unmatched accuracy in identifying substance use. These tests efficiently cut through the noise to detect even the smallest traces of drugs, ensuring precision where traditional methods may falter. This level of accuracy provides peace of mind for individuals and organizations looking for reliable results.
Employers in Red River, NM, can achieve compliance with their drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. By ensuring adherence to these policies, companies reduce the legal hazards and create a safer working environment, ultimately achieving peace of mind. This method supports maintaining a compliant and secure workplace free from the influence of drugs.
