Accredited Drug Testing offers thorough hair follicle drug testing services in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. If you're in need of a hair drug or alcohol test, our centers, available nationwide, specialize in hair testing. To proceed, you generally need 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from your scalp or body. We provide testing for drugs, alcohol/ETG, and offer custom hair analysis options.
In recent times, drug testing methods have more commonly incorporated hair follicle drug tests. This shift is driven by requirements from numerous employers, legal systems, and substance abuse specialists favoring hair tests over traditional urine ones. Organizations with zero-tolerance drug policies, along with courts and those on probation, often opt for hair follicle tests due to their extended detection window of up to 90 days, reliable observation during collection, and minimal potential for deception. However, for detecting recent drug use within 5 days, urine tests remain the preferred method.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the hair shaft as it grows. When taken near the scalp, it can offer a detection period of up to about three months for substances. This method is easy to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A sample sized at 1.5 inches comprising around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) situated closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for basic screening and confirmation. For EtG extensions or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for measurement is recommended. In the absence of scalp hair, a proportionate quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The drug testing process in the lab involves four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introductory phase where a specimen is processed into the laboratory's system. This phase ensures the specimen was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry absent from an electronic custody chain system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. Although it serves as a cost-effective approach to weed out illicit drug use in most samples, a positive finding must be subsequently confirmed for it to be valid in legal proceedings. Any specimen that tests potentially positive during Screening necessitates further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is obtained from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at a significantly reduced concentration compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is among the most challenging processing methods.
Confirmed positive results are validated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive specimens are cleansed as necessary before confirmation. The entire lab workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the accreditation following ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the examination actually assesses the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Truth or Consequences, NM
In comparing hair and urine tests, hair follicle testing stands out for its longer detection window and superior accuracy. It offers a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, making it more reliable than traditional urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Truth or Consequences, NM
The ability of hair follicle testing to detect drug use over a period of up to 90 days provides a thorough overview of an individual's drug history. This extended detection period is invaluable for employers seeking to ensure a drug-free workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Truth or Consequences, NM
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the possibility of sample tampering. This method assures reliable outcomes, as the tests are observed and nearly impossible to alter, fostering confidence in the results provided.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Truth or Consequences, NM
With an extensive network of testing centers, including those in Truth or Consequences, NM, Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient access to services. This nationwide availability simplifies the testing process, ensuring quick and hassle-free service.
Simple, Confidential Process in Truth or Consequences, NM
The process for ordering and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and discreet. This confidentiality addresses privacy concerns, ensuring a user-friendly experience from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Truth or Consequences, NM
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, providing excellent value. This approach caters to companies of all sizes, ensuring both quality and affordability in testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Truth or Consequences, NM
Hair follicle drug tests provide fast and precise results, making them a preferred choice for detecting substance use with high accuracy. This method ensures reliability and offers a swift turnaround, essential for timely decisions in various scenarios.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Truth or Consequences, NM
Utilizing hair follicle testing allows businesses to adhere to strict drug-free workplace policies. This compliance not only mitigates legal concerns but also ensures a safer work environment, enhancing overall peace of mind for employers.
