Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective instrument for the identification of drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a comprehensive history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to approximately three months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of about 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is insufficient, an equivalent amount of body hair may be utilized. When mentioning head hair, it refers specifically to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result involves four main phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's system. This step includes verifying that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid inspection for drugs of abuse. While screening is a cost-effective approach for ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive screening outcome requires confirmation to be valid in court. Any samples with a presumptive positive in screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample is found presumptive positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is considered the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Superiority Over Urine Testing:
Hair follicle tests in Red Rock, NM, offer superior detection accuracy compared to urine tests. They provide a comprehensive analysis of drug history over a longer period, ensuring better reliability in capturing past substance use.
Reliable Insights:
Unlike urine tests, hair analysis reflects prolonged drug usage patterns, making it an invaluable tool for employers, courts, and professionals aiming for zero-tolerance enforcement.
Extended Detection Period:
Hair follicle testing in Red Rock, NM, uniquely detects drug use for up to 90 days. This lengthy detection window allows employers to gain a more detailed understanding of an individual's substance use history.
Comprehensive Analysis:
With the advantage of detecting substances over several months, hair testing offers substantial insights into patterns of use, surpassing the capabilities of more conventional methods such as urine testing.
Minimized Tampering Risks:
Hair follicle tests in Red Rock, NM, significantly reduce the chances of adulteration, delivering unquestionable and reliable results. This robust method ensures integrity and trust in the testing process.
Unquestionable Reliability:
By employing advanced collection and analysis techniques, these tests provide a dependable solution that nearly eliminates the risk of tampering and manipulation, safeguarding the validity of results.
Convenient Access Nationwide:
In Red Rock, NM, individuals benefit from easy access to testing services through our extensive network of nationwide locations. These centers offer hassle-free and swift options for satisfying testing needs.
Local Testing Solutions:
Our strategically placed facilities ensure minimal inconvenience, providing a straightforward approach to securing reliable testing, regardless of your geographical location.
Streamlined Testing Process:
In Red Rock, NM, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. The steps to ordering, taking, and receiving results are designed to be simple, addressing concerns about privacy and efficiency.
Confidential and Easy:
Focusing on client comfort and confidentiality, our testing process is crafted to provide a stress-free experience, ensuring ease of use from the initial order to receiving the results.
Cost-Effective Solutions:
Our testing services in Red Rock, NM, offer competitive pricing structures and rapid turnaround times, providing significant value to enterprises of all sizes seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
Efficient and Economical:
With our affordable rates and swift processing, clients can confidently rely on us for economical yet proficient testing services, ensuring satisfaction and peace of mind.
Precision and Speed:
In Red Rock, NM, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their fast and highly accurate results. This cutting-edge approach ensures timely and reliable detection of substance use, providing peace of mind for those requiring precise evaluations.
High Detection Accuracy:
The advanced technology in hair testing guarantees meticulous identification of drug residues, surpassing traditional methods. This reliability ensures trustworthiness and valuable insights into an individual's substance profile.
Ensuring Workplace Compliance:
Employers in Red Rock, NM, benefit from hair follicle testing as it guarantees adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances safety, providing peace of mind.
Peace Through Compliance:
Using hair testing ensures that organizations maintain compliance, allowing employers to enforce zero-tolerance effectively and foster a safe and secure work environment.
