Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Regarded as an effective method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption, hair analysis provides a retrospective account of usage by embedding markers in the fiber of the hair as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair analysis can show drug and alcohol intake over an approximate three-month timeframe. It is straightforward to gather, resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 hair strands (similar to the girth of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and verification. For EtG and additional tests or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample size is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a similar amount of body hair is acceptable. When we reference head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types (face, armpits, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test outcome in a laboratory encompasses four significant steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary integration of a sample into the lab’s system. This step includes checking that the sample was appropriately sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data input not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary review for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive indication must be verified to hold up in judicial settings. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample result in a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is drawn from the principal sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at a significantly low concentration compared to methods like urine or oral fluid, underscoring the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Confirmation of any Screening positives is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary before confirmation. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair recognition and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Compared to traditional urine testing, hair follicle testing in San Mateo, NM, provides several advantages. Hair tests possess superior precision and are less susceptible to manipulation, offering unparalleled detection reliability. Their long detection window allows for a broader look at an individual's substance use, making them especially valuable for organizations with strict drug-free mandates.
With an extensive detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in San Mateo, NM, allows employers to gain comprehensive insight into an applicant or employee’s substance use history. This long-term perspective is invaluable for making informed hiring decisions by understanding past behaviors and potential risks.
In San Mateo, NM, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing minimizes the likelihood of sample adulteration. Given the stringent collection processes, any attempts to manipulate results are largely ineffective, providing stakeholders with results they can trust and depend on for critical decision-making.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing facilities nationally, and importantly, right in San Mateo, NM. This ensures seamless access and reduces travel-related hurdles for individuals or businesses needing testing. The widespread availability enhances convenience, making the testing process straightforward and stress-free.
The process for hair follicle testing in San Mateo, NM, is simple and respects confidentiality. From ordering the test to collecting samples, and delivering results, every step is designed to safeguard privacy while maintaining ease of use. Individuals can be confident in the discretion and straightforwardness of the whole procedure.
In San Mateo, NM, our hair follicle testing services are priced competitively, paired with fast turnaround times. This combination assures clients of great value, offering a cost-effective solution suited for companies of all sizes, without sacrificing the quality and swiftness of results.
In San Mateo, NM, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, precise, and dependable results. The accuracy of these tests in identifying substance use is unparalleled, ensuring that any drug usage is detected with high reliability. The short time frame in which results become available enhances their practicality for urgent or time-sensitive situations, providing peace of mind for employers and individuals alike.
Using hair follicle testing in San Mateo, NM, supports employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By doing so, companies can reduce their legal liabilities and cultivate a safer, more productive working environment, ensuring peace of mind concerning substance-related incidents.