Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a highly effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures chemical markers within the extensions of the growing hair shaft, offering a detailed retrospective of alcohol and drug use. Samples collected near the scalp can provide a detection period of around three months for various substances. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and transport is efficient.
An ideal test involves gathering a 1.5-inch portion of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair needed for both initial analysis and follow-up validation. For EtG evaluations, add-on services, or tests involving more than 10 drug panels, a sample of 150mg is advocated. It's suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler's balance. In cases where scalp hair isn't present, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. The term 'head hair' specifically refers to scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, underarm).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in the lab involves four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step of entering a sample into the laboratory system, ensuring it was properly sealed and sent, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any non-electronic chain of custody data entry.
Screening serves as an initial, rapid assessment for drug indicators. Although Screening is a cost-efficient measure for excluding drug use in most cases, positive results must be verified for legal considerations. Any initial positive findings from Screening must undergo subsequent confirmation.
In the event a sample is initially positive during Screening, an additional portion of the hair is extracted from the original sample for further preparation during Extraction. During this step, drugs are separated from the hair at a much lower concentration than other methods like urine or saliva testing, leading to its complexity in hair drug analysis.
Confirmation of positive results is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All initial positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. From Accessioning through Confirmation, the entire laboratory procedure is conducted following the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed as "hair follicle tests," the examination pertains to the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the skin.
In Santa Rosa, NM, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests. The superiority of hair tests is evident in their advanced detection accuracy and enduring reliability. They offer a longer detection window, identifying substance use up to 90 days back. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle exams are incredibly challenging to falsify, presenting employers and legal entities with trustworthy results. This method supports stringent drug-free policies effectively.
Hair follicle testing in Santa Rosa, NM provides a significantly extended detection window for drug use, making it an invaluable tool for employers. Capable of revealing substance use up to 90 days prior, hair tests allow for a broader and more comprehensive understanding of an employee or candidate’s history. This extended timeframe is pivotal in assessing long-term patterns of behavior, ensuring a drug-free workplace.
In Santa Rosa, NM, hair follicle testing is a highly tamper-resistant method, substantially minimizing the risk of sample manipulation. The nature of hair tests makes it exceptionally difficult to alter, ensuring the integrity and reliability of the results. This robustness offers peace of mind to those relying on these tests for crucial decisions. With hair testing, the authenticity of results is guaranteed, presenting undeniable evidence of substance use.
Our extensive network of testing centers in Santa Rosa, NM and across the nation ensures accessibility and convenience. We offer hassle-free services, allowing for quick and straightforward testing procedures. This broad reach guarantees that testing needs are met with minimal effort and maximum efficiency. Whether local or national, Accredited Drug Testing provides an effortless experience with our readily available locations.
In Santa Rosa, NM, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be both simple and confidential. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are straightforward steps handled with the utmost respect for privacy. Our user-friendly system ensures that concerns about personal data and ease of use are addressed, making the entire testing experience stress-free. Confidentiality is paramount, safeguarding individuals' sensitive information at every stage.
Accredited Drug Testing in Santa Rosa, NM stands out with its competitive pricing and swift turnaround. Our cost-effective solutions provide excellent value, catering to the needs of companies of all sizes. Rapid results further enhance our offer, delivering peace of mind while ensuring you receive the best service. Affordability without compromising accuracy is what sets us apart in the realm of drug testing.
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests in Santa Rosa, NM are unmatched. They excel in pinpointing substance use with high accuracy, yielding results that are both reliable and expedient. These tests ensure that even subtle traces of drug use are detected, offering a comprehensive look into an individual's history. Hair testing delivers timely outcomes, facilitating informed decision-making.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Santa Rosa, NM ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, elevating safety and legal adherence. Employers benefit immensely from this reliable testing, as it mitigates legal risks and cultivates a secure work ambiance. Hair tests provide an effective deterrent against substance abuse, thus facilitating a harmonious and productive workplace environment.
