Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. A sample collected near the scalp offers an approximate 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch sample of around 200 hair strands (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields about 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, add-ons, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample's weight is recommended. If scalp hair is unavailable, a proportional amount of body hair may be used. The term "head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The essential stages in lab processing for a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails entering a sample into a lab's system. This process verifies the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug usage in most samples; however, a positive screen must be validated for legal acceptance. Any samples testing presumptively positive during Screening require a confirmatory test.
In cases where a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, substances are isolated from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a highly challenging method.
Confirmation of positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is overseen in accordance with CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle itself beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Reserve, NM
Hair testing stands superior to conventional urine tests due to its enhanced detection accuracy and dependability. In Reserve, NM, meticulous results from hair follicle testing ensure no recent substance use is overlooked.
Employers seeking precise assessments favor hair testing, as it offers a comprehensive analysis of drug use over more traditional urine analyses.
Extended Detection Window in Reserve, NM
With a hair follicle test, detecting drug use over an extended period, often up to 90 days, becomes feasible. This longer detection window provides employers in Reserve, NM, with a detailed view of an individual's drug history.
This longer timeline is crucial for ensuring ongoing compliance with workplace protocols and gives a broader understanding of substance use patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Reserve, NM
Hair follicle tests significantly curb the chance of tampering, offering results that are reliable and indisputable. In Reserve, NM, this testing method is preferred for its security against adulteration.
This method’s strength lies in its robust sample collection and testing integrity, heightening its effectiveness in real-world applications.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Reserve, NM
Our widespread testing centers make accessing services seamless across the country, including Reserve, NM. Quick and straightforward, local centers ensure efficient testing processes.
The ease of finding a testing location underscores the accessibility that Accredited Drug Testing provides to all its clients, facilitating hassle-free experiences.
Simple, Confidential Process in Reserve, NM
The procedure for scheduling, undertaking, and retrieving results from a hair follicle test in Reserve, NM, is straightforward and private. This response to confidentiality concerns adds to its user-friendly appeal.
Ensuring privacy at every step fortifies trust in the testing process, making it a go-to option for concerned parties.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Reserve, NM
Competitive pricing and rapid result turnaround make hair follicle testing a valuable choice in Reserve, NM. Companies benefit from the excellent balance of cost-effectiveness and swift response times.
These economic advantages make this testing method ideal for businesses of all sizes, affirming its advantageous position in the market.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Reserve, NM
The hair follicle drug tests in Reserve, NM offer unmatched precision and speed. The high accuracy associated with these tests excellently detects substance use, setting them apart in reliability.
Compared to other methods, the hair follicle test provides quick and trustworthy results, bolstering its reputation as a premier drug testing option. The efficiency of this testing method ensures fast results without compromising accuracy.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Reserve, NM
Implementing hair follicle testing helps employers adhere to workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and promoting a safe working environment in Reserve, NM.
For employers, this translates into confidence in maintaining compliance, thereby fostering a secure, drug-free workplace.
