Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Taos Pueblo, NM

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers of growing hair strands capture biomarkers, offering a long-term record of alcohol and substance use. By acquiring hair close to the scalp, it can provide insights into drug and alcohol use for up to three months. Hair sampling is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.

A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands, comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil and taken closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional components, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is suggested. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be taken. When mentioning head hair, we imply scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The lab processing of a drug test involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's repertoire. It verifies the correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any supplementary data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening is a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. Though Screening serves as an economical means to dismiss the usage of drugs in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is essential for legal acceptability. Samples positive in Screening necessitate additional validation.

When a Screening stage indicates a positive result, additional hair is sourced from the original sample for further preparation during Extraction. This phase retrieves drugs from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), illustrating the complexity of hair drug testing.

Positive screening results undergo Confirmation through techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are cleaned prior to Confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and along with accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing identifies drug usage up to 90 days, in contrast with the shorter detection span of urine tests.
• High resistance to tampering: It is exceedingly difficult to falsify results of a hair drug test, contributing to its reliability.
• Supplying historical insight: It reveals a timeline of drug use behavior, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Recent use undetectable: Drugs require approximately 5-7 days to become evident in hair samples.
• Cost: Hair drug testing generally incurs higher expenses compared to alternative drug test types.
• Result inconsistencies: Influences such as hair color and personal growth variations can impact drug metabolite concentrations.

Note: Though frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", the procedure evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle under the skin.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In comparing hair follicle tests with traditional urine tests, the former offers distinct advantages in Taos Pueblo, NM. Hair testing provides superior detection accuracy and is preferred by those seeking reliable drug screening methods.

The main benefit lies in its extended detection period, capturing a comprehensive view of substance use over time, unlike urine tests which have a shorter window of detection.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Taos Pueblo, NM showcases a much wider detection period, covering drug use history up to 90 days. This extended window offers a complete picture of an individual's substance use.

By using this test, employers gain insight into long-term behavior, providing an edge over methods that only capture recent drug use, ensuring they make informed decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

One of the standout features of hair follicle tests is their tamper-resistant nature, especially crucial in Taos Pueblo, NM. These tests minimize the risk of sample adulteration, essential for reliable results.

The integrity of the testing process means that the results are dependable and unquestionable, making it a trusted method for substance abuse professionals and employers alike.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Offering convenient and accessible testing services across Taos Pueblo, NM, our centers provide easy and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing.

With our nationwide network of testing locations, individuals and companies can quickly find a testing center close to them, making the process seamless and efficient.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Taos Pueblo, NM, is simple and confidential, ensuring ease and privacy. From ordering to obtaining results, each step is designed for user convenience.

With an emphasis on discretion and efficiency, the testing process aligns with the needs of those seeking reliable and private drug screening solutions.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times are the hallmarks of hair follicle testing in Taos Pueblo, NM. Companies can enjoy excellent value while receiving accurate and timely results.

Our commitment to affordable pricing makes this reliable testing method accessible to businesses of all sizes, providing financial flexibility and peace of mind.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and efficiency of hair follicle drug tests make them a preferred choice for fast and reliable screening in Taos Pueblo, NM. High accuracy in detecting substances ensures that this testing method stands apart in drug testing services.

The ability to provide swift and precise results gives individuals and employers confidence in the testing process. Quicker turnaround times in obtaining results is a top reason why individuals prefer this method of drug testing.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Taos Pueblo, NM, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This not only reduces legal risks but also enhances overall safety.

By adopting this method, companies show a commitment to maintaining a safe and drug-free environment, while benefiting from the assurance of accurate results.

Drug Testing Near Taos Pueblo, NM

Pilar, NM

Eagle Nest, NM

Red River, NM

Angel Fire, NM

Agua Fria, NM

Questa, NM

Carson, NM

Talpa, NM

Taos Ski Valley, NM

Ranchos de Taos, NM

San Cristobal, NM

Taos, NM

Arroyo Hondo, NM

Hondo, NM

Valdez, NM

What's New In Hair Follicle Drug Testing according to the Hair Drug Testing Experts

With its multidisciplinary nature, hair testing brings together researchers, scientists, and experts from various domains to develop innovative techniques, explore new methodologies, and address emerging concerns, responding to the ever-evolving challenges of drug abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring, and environmental exposures to pollutants.

The joint meeting of the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) and the Italian Group of Forensic Toxicologists (GTFI) was organized in Verona, June 8–10, 2022, and hosted by the Legal Medicine team of the Verona University Hospital, directed by Franco Tagliaro together with Federica Bortolotti and Rossella Gottardo.

It served as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, facilitating groundbreaking advancements in hair testing and analysis. In this special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, we aim to showcase the remarkable manuscripts presented at this significant event, shedding light on the latest research and highlighting the future directions in this field.

Novel Analytical Techniques: The Verona meeting witnessed the unveiling of cutting-edge analytical techniques, offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy for drug testing. Remarkable advancements in sample preparation, detection, and identification of drug compounds have been presented. The manuscripts in this section presented novel approaches, such as multianalyte methods and on-line preparation which can enable rapid analysis and improve thorough forensic investigations.

Biomarkers and Pharmacokinetics: The identification and validation of reliable biomarkers and pharmacokinetic studies are fundamental aspects of drug testing and analysis. The impact of hair treatments on the oxidation/decomposition of drugs in hair was also explored, as the long-term fate of drugs incorporated in the keratin matrix. Furthermore, the SoHT meeting in Verona featured research on the identification and quantification of alcohol abuse biomarkers, their stability, and their correlation with exposure and other biomarkers.

Forensic Applications and Interpretation: One of the vital objectives of hair testing is its application in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. The SoHT meeting in Verona emphasized the significance of rigorous interpretation of analytical results and the need for standardized protocols. Manuscripts in this section present advancements in forensic toxicology, and have explored the challenges posed by emerging designer drugs and strategies to combat their proliferation. The pitfalls encountered when the exogenous/endogenous nature of a substance is questioned were presented and discussed. The special issue presents also manuscripts that delve into the ethical implications of drug testing in drug facilitated sexual assaults.

Clinical Applications of hair testing are witnessed by the insight on environmental tobacco smoke exposure, assessed by hair analysis in a population of students and the study of in utero-exposure to drugs of abuse through neonatal hair analysis. Exposure to drugs was also important in cases of child abuse/neglect, when the clinical purpose of hair testing merge with its forensic applications.

The legal framework surrounding hair testing and the achievement of guidelines to ensure fairness, accuracy, and confidentiality in drug testing practices have also been discussed,and the SoHT consensus on general hair testing and testing for drugs of abuse was presented at the meeting and published as a Letter to the Editor.

In conclusion, the special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, featuring manuscripts from the SoHT–GTFI meeting in Verona 2022, reflects the remarkable advancements achieved in this field. The manuscripts provide valuable insights into novel analytical techniques, biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, forensic applications, and ethical considerations. As we embrace these advancements, we pave the way for a safer, healthier society, where drug testing and analysis serve as powerful tools in protecting public health and maintaining integrity in various sectors. The research presented in this special issue will undoubtedly shape the future of drug testing and analysis, fostering collaboration and inspiring further innovation in this crucial area of scientific inquiry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews