Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Socorro, NM

What it is, How it works

Recognized as a potent method for detecting substance and alcohol consumption, hair testing offers a traceable history of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair fibers. When cut near the scalp, hair samples can reveal usage of alcohol and drugs for a period of up to roughly three months. The collection process is straightforward, making it somewhat resistant to tampering, and the samples are easy to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches comprised of approximately 200 strands of hair (roughly comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, and those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferable. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. References to head hair exclusively mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to any other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning handles the preliminary steps to integrate a sample into a laboratory's workflow. This phase ensures the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any manual data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening conducts an initial, swift evaluation for substance misuse. Though cost-efficient in excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires validation for court admissibility. Any samples preliminarily flagged as positive in Screening undergo mandatory further confirmation.

When a sample is preliminarily positive during Screening, additional hair is sourced from the initial batch and primed for Extraction. During this phase, substances are isolated from hair at a much reduced concentration compared to methods like urine or oral fluid, establishing hair drug screening as a challenging methodology.

Confirmation of positive screening is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples flagged as presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and conforms to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests identify drug use for as long as 90 days, contrary to the shorter periods observed in urine tests.
• Resistance to subversion: The likelihood of manipulating a hair drug test is minimal, thus enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers usage history: Displays a pattern of substance use over time, rather than merely depicting current usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: Drugs become evident in hair only after about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Typically, hair drug tests incur higher costs than alternative testing methods.
• Result variability: Variables like hair color and individual growth rates may impact drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", they analyze the strand of hair, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle drug testing outperforms traditional urine tests in Socorro, NM. Its superior detection accuracy makes it the preferred choice for many employers, identifying substance use over extended periods. This method provides a deeper insight into an individual’s drug history, far exceeding what conventional urine tests offer, especially with long-term detection capabilities.

Extended Detection Window

In Socorro, NM, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history. This prolonged detection period allows employers to gain a deeper understanding of an employee's or applicant’s drug use patterns, ensuring informed decision-making in the hiring and monitoring processes.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant method in Socorro, NM, ensuring samples remain unaltered. By minimizing the possibility of adulteration, hair testing yields results that are both reliable and indubitable, offering assurance to employers and agencies concerned with maintaining integrity in substance use screening.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our nationwide network of testing centers, including those in Socorro, NM, simplifies access to hair follicle testing. Conveniently located sites ensure quick and hassle-free testing experiences, supporting both local and national needs with ease, and enhancing accessibility to essential testing services.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Socorro, NM is both simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving test results is streamlined, ensuring privacy concerns are addressed and clients enjoy ease of use, making this method a convenient choice for those seeking discreet testing solutions.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Socorro, NM, we offer affordable pricing paired with rapid turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Our competitive rates and efficient service provide excellent value, accommodating businesses of all sizes seeking reliable and cost-effective drug screening solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Socorro, NM, the efficiency and reliability of hair follicle drug tests are unrivaled. These tests ensure fast and accurate identification of substance use. The advanced nature of this method provides results that are both timely and highly reliable, making them an essential tool for employers and agencies seeking comprehensive insight into a subject’s drug use.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Socorro, NM benefit from hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This not only reduces legal risks but also enhances workplace safety. Hair testing offers peace of mind by reliably upholding these standards, supporting a productive and law-abiding work environment.

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