Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for spotting drug and alcohol usage. Hair holds a long-term record of substances by locking biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for drugs and alcohol. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg, the preferred sample for analysis. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is absent, a similar amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair; "Body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for a drug test encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample into the lab’s system, which includes ensuring the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves performing an initial rapid analysis for substances of abuse. Though a cost-efficient technique to discount drug use in most samples, a positive result from Screening requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that test positive in Screening undergo further confirmation.
When samples test positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction, where drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation where necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is assessed under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Glencoe, NM
Hair follicle testing offers significantly better detection accuracy and reliability than traditional urine tests. While urine tests track recent drug use, hair tests provide a comprehensive assessment of substance use history over months, greatly benefiting employers in making informed decisions based on a broader data spectrum.
Extended Detection Window in Glencoe, NM
A key advantage of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an expanded period of up to 90 days. This provides a thorough insight into an individual's substance use history, benefitting employers in assessing their workforce's adherence to policies aimed at maintaining a drug-free environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Glencoe, NM
Hair follicle tests offer substantial protection against sample adulteration, minimizing the possibility of manipulating results. With this robust method, employers, legal bodies, and individuals receive results they can confidently rely on, ensuring integrity in the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Glencoe, NM
With our extensive network of nationwide testing centers, accessing drug testing services is seamless and convenient. Individuals and organizations find it easy to schedule tests at nearby locations, making the process quick and hassle-free with minimal disruptions.
Simple, Confidential Process in Glencoe, NM
The straightforward nature of hair follicle testing ensures both simplicity and confidentiality in ordering, sampling, and results receiving. It alleviates privacy concerns, providing an easy and secure process for all involved, delivering peace of mind through discretion at every step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Glencoe, NM
Our competitive pricing coupled with rapid test result processing offers exceptional value to companies of all sizes. We deliver affordable testing solutions with prompt turnaround times, ensuring results are received quickly without compromising on quality or accuracy.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Glencoe, NM
When it comes to hair follicle tests, precision and speed are paramount. This testing method is highly effective in identifying substance use, offering rapid results with unmatched accuracy, serving individuals and employers alike who require quick turnaround times paired with trustworthy assessments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Glencoe, NM
Employing hair follicle testing supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks while enhancing safety. This method ensures that employers stay compliant, reducing corporate liabilities and fostering a safe work environment.