Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying substance use, including alcohol. Hair offers a prolonged history of substance exposure by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand fibers as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair samples can reveal up to an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and substances. The collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) taken nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, optimal for both screening and confirmation processes. For tests like EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We advocate using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair be absent, a comparable volume of body hair is suitable. By head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures for processing a drug test outcome entail four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This step involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional information input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drug presence. While cost-efficient for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. All samples that screen as presumptively positive require a follow-up confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptively positive result, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for further preparation in the Extraction stage. In Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to urine or oral fluid methodologies, highlighting hair drug screening's complexity.
Confirmation of any positive screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests," the test analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hagerman, NM is evident in its superior detection capabilities and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair testing offers enhanced accuracy and robustness, making it a preferred choice for employers and legal bodies. The test’s long detection window and tamper-resistant nature ensure that the results are both credible and comprehensive.
Extended Detection Window in Hagerman, NM is a standout feature of hair follicle testing. With the capability to reveal drug use for up to 90 days, employers gain a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance history. This extended window offers a clearer picture of an applicant or employee’s habits, surpassing the limitations of shorter-term testing methods like urine tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hagerman, NM strengthens the reliability of hair follicle tests, nearly eradicating the chance of sample tampering. This method is resistant to common subversion techniques, ensuring that the collected samples remain unaltered and truthful, thus delivering results that can be trusted without question.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Hagerman, NM simplify access to drug testing services. Our widespread testing centers ensure that both local and national clients benefit from swift, straightforward testing processes. This convenience is pivotal in maintaining efficient operations without the added stress of locating testing facilities.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hagerman, NM for hair follicle testing assures users of ease and privacy. The steps for scheduling, undertaking, and receiving test results are straightforward, ensuring participants feel secure throughout the process. This confidentiality paired with ease of use addresses privacy concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hagerman, NM highlight our commitment to value and efficiency. Our competitive pricing structures are designed to support companies regardless of size, offering quality service at accessible rates. The speedy turnaround time further enhances the value, allowing businesses to make timely and informed decisions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hagerman, NM make hair follicle tests a preferred choice for detecting drug use. These tests exhibit exceptional precision in identifying substances in the system, ensuring that results are not only fast but dependable. The method’s effectiveness lies in its ability to provide accurate results in minimal time, serving as a robust framework for assessing substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hagerman, NM are assured through hair follicle testing. This method supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal liabilities, and bolstering workplace safety. Employers can thus enjoy peace of mind knowing that their workforce complies with the company's substance use regulations.
