Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The hair records a prolonged history of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can indicate alcohol and drug use over an approximate three-month period. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
A sample consisting of 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We advocate using a jeweler’s scale for accuracy. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test sample involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage, where a sample is input into the laboratory’s system. This step ensures proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entries that aren’t available through an automated chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for drug use. While it offers a cost-effective way to rule out drug consumption in most samples, a positive outcome requires confirmation before being legally defensible. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
For samples showing presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and processed for Extraction. Here, drugs are removed from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging for implementation.
Confirmation of any presumptive positive finding is carried out with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleaned accordingly. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the procedure analyzes the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Field, NM, the advantages of hair follicle drug testing over urine samples are evident. Hair tests offer substantial detection capabilities and reliability, surpassing traditional urine analyses. Where urine tests may miss certain drug patterns, hair ensures a comprehensive assessment, affirming its place as a preferred option in drug evaluation.
For employers and legal professionals, hair testing stands out due to its heightened accuracy and longer detection periods. These tests don't depend on the shorter detection spans typical of urine testing, providing more consistent results in drug use detection.
Extended Detection Window
One of the leading benefits of hair follicle testing in Field, NM, is its extended detection window. Drugs consumed can be traced over a period reaching up to 90 days, offering businesses an extensive view of an individual’s substance use history. This lengthier duration is pivotal in making informed hiring or monitoring decisions.
Having this prolonged detection capability means employers can review and assess the long-term patterns of drug consumption, making the hair test an essential tool in workforce management and safety oversight.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle drug tests are known in Field, NM for their tamper-resistant quality. The method significantly mitigates the possibility of sample alteration, thereby securing uninterpretable outcomes. This secure method provides reassuring reliability, supporting its credibility.
By utilizing hair tests, organizations reduce the risk of manipulation, ensuring that results are both trustworthy and indisputable. This makes it a preferred choice for employers aiming to maintain high standards of workplace integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Accredited Drug Testing ensures ease of access with centers across Field, NM, and nationwide. Our expansive network allows for straightforward and convenient drug testing processes, minimizing hassle while providing reliable service locations.
Testing in Field, NM is made seamless, with numerous centers ready to assist. Whether for an individual or an organization, our widespread availability assures quick and simple access to essential testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Field, NM, our drug testing process prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering tests to receiving results, each step is streamlined to ensure ease of use while protecting personal data. Concerns related to privacy and the complexity of drug testing are thoughtfully addressed.
This confidentiality-first approach helps maintain trust with individuals and organizations, ensuring that every interaction with our testing process is seamless and secure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Accredited Drug Testing in Field, NM, offers competitive pricing and rapid result delivery. Our cost-effective pricing delivers excellent value, catering to businesses both large and small, while our quick result times provide peace of mind.
For organizations focused on efficient budgeting and timely decision-making, our affordable, fast services secure the optimal balance of economy and effectiveness in drug testing.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Field, NM, hair follicle drug tests provide precise outcomes rapidly. Their immaculate accuracy in identifying substance consumption makes them superior. By testing the hair, an individual's drug use is confirmed with greater precision. This method excels in speed and reliability, ensuring that those in need of quick confirmation can trust in its findings.
The efficiency of hair follicle drug screening in Field, NM, is unmatched. The process of determining substance usage through hair analysis is not only swift but delivers results with high fidelity. This dependable accuracy helps maintain trust in the testing process for both individuals and businesses.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
For employers in Field, NM, hair follicle testing contributes substantially to policy compliance and peace of mind. This testing approach aids organizations in adhering to drug-free workplace mandates while minimizing legal exposure and reinforcing workplace security.
The confidence gained from using hair tests supports employers in fostering a safer, more compliant environment. A robust drug testing protocol can mitigate potential risks, enhancing overall workplace welfare.
