Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is becoming recognized as an effective means for detecting substance and alcohol consumption. Hair records a prolonged timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the growing fibers of the hair strand. By collecting hair near the scalp, one acquires nearly a 3-month timeframe for detecting substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the preferred sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to measure the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. Head hair signifies scalp hair exclusively, whereas body hair denotes all other hair variants (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This entails confirming the sample's seal and proper shipment, the assignment of a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and execution of any extra data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of misuse. While Screening provides a cost-efficient mechanism to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples testing positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
For samples indicating positive results at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Here, substances are retrieved from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening a challenging process.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and conformity to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Important: Frequently called "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.
In Ribera, NM, hair follicle testing is more advantageous than traditional urine tests because of its superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests have a longer detection window, making it an ideal option for employers who value a comprehensive picture of an individual's substance use history. This method ensures a higher level of accuracy in results, as it's harder to manipulate or alter hair samples compared to urine samples.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Ribera, NM, is a significant advantage for employers. While urine tests can only identify recent drug use, hair follicle tests can reveal substance consumption for up to 90 days. This offers a thorough perspective on an applicant's drug history, making it an effective tool for ensuring the safety and integrity of the workplace.
One of the most compelling advantages of hair follicle tests in Ribera, NM, is their resistance to tampering. Unlike urine samples, which are susceptible to adulteration, hair tests are much harder to manipulate. This characteristic ensures that the results are reliable and unquestionable, providing a truthful account of an individual's substance use.
A key benefit of using Accredited Drug Testing in Ribera, NM, is the ease and convenience offered by our nationwide network of testing locations. Whether local or across the country, access to drug testing services is streamlined, providing hassle-free options for individuals requiring testing for employment, legal, or personal reasons.
The hair follicle testing process in Ribera, NM, is both straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to obtaining results, the procedure is designed to respect privacy and ensure convenience. This makes it easy for individuals and employers to maintain confidentiality while ensuring compliance with testing requirements.
Ribera, NM, benefits from Accredited Drug Testing's competitive pricing and swift turnaround times. Providing excellent value, our hair follicle tests are accessible to businesses of all sizes. Our efficient processes ensure that results are delivered quickly, offering reassurance and support for decision-making in today's fast-paced work environments.
Hair follicle drug tests offer quick, precise, and dependable results in Ribera, NM. Revered for their ability to detect substance use with high accuracy, these tests can often unveil drug use that urine tests might miss. This reliability makes them a preferred choice among employers and legal entities seeking stringent testing methods to ensure workplace safety and compliance.
In Ribera, NM, hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with, and peace of mind regarding, workplace drug-free policies. By utilizing a testing method that is difficult to bypass, organizations can reduce legal concerns, enhance safety standards, and solidify their commitment to a zero-tolerance drug environment.