Hair Follicle Drug Testing - La Huerta, NM

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by integrating biomarkers into the strands of the hair as it grows. When collected from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to approximately 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is effortless to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimum sample size for both initial screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to use 150mg of the sample. It is best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, the same quantity of body hair can be utilized. When referring to head hair, we mean specifically scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary processes involved in lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning covers the initial handling of a sample in a lab's system. This process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data input not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening acts as a preliminary, swift assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient means to negate drug usage in most samples, any positive findings need verification for legal admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.

For samples that are presumptively positive at the Screening stage, further hair is extracted from the initial sample for preparation in the Extraction process. Here, drugs are isolated from the hair at much smaller concentrations compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to perform.

Confirmation for any positive screening results is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples deemed presumptively positive are cleaned before confirmation as needed. The entire lab processing from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated following the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: Hair drug tests are hard to tamper with, resulting in more precise findings.
• Offers historical insight: It can demonstrate a history of drug consumption over time, not just recent use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of identifying recent use: It requires about 5-7 days for drugs to be detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing tends to be pricier than other drug testing alternatives.
• Variations in outcomes: Attributes such as hair color and individual variances in hair growth can influence the level of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Though frequently called "hair follicle tests", this test actually analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in La Huerta, NM. Hair testing provides a competitive edge over traditional urine tests due to superior detection accuracy and reliability.

Choosing hair follicle testing means opting for a method that provides comprehensive coverage, reducing false negatives associated with urine tests. The longer detection period creates an advantageous scenario for investigations sensitive to time, revealing substance use with greater certainty.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in La Huerta, NM. Hair follicle testing captures drug use over a significantly long period, up to 90 days, allowing for a detailed view of an individual's substance history.

This extensive window offers employers a broader perspective of usage trends, distinguishing it from shorter-term methods. With this information, more informed employment decisions are possible, fostering a safer and more compliant workplace.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in La Huerta, NM. The hair follicle test reduces the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable, irrefutable results.

The integrity of the testing process is preserved through advanced technology and collection techniques, making it nearly impossible to cheat. This process provides assurance that the results are accurate, maintaining the highest standards of testing security.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in La Huerta, NM. Our extensive network of testing centers offers prompt and hassle-free accessibility to services.

This network ensures individuals have swift access to drug testing facilities, eliminating logistical concerns. Locally available services further facilitate convenience, making the testing process smoother for everyone involved in La Huerta.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in La Huerta, NM. The process for ordering, completing, and receiving hair test results is straightforward and private.

Every aspect, from scheduling to result retrieval, prioritizes confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns effectively. The streamlined approach simplifies the experience for all, allowing a focus on results without compromising personal data safety or ease of use.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in La Huerta, NM. Our competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times offer exceptional value for companies of various sizes.

The financial accessibility allows organizations to manage testing without strain, supporting their operational needs swiftly. The balance of affordability and speed ensures companies receive efficient yet cost-effective service delivery.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in La Huerta, NM. Hair follicle drug testing offers unparalleled precision and speed. This method assures high accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring reliable results quickly.

The technology utilized in hair follicle testing ensures substance traces are identified efficiently, offering confidence in the results. This quick process supports both individuals and employers, promoting timely and trustworthy conclusions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in La Huerta, NM. Hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and enhancing safety.

With its reliable outcomes, this method helps maintain a secure and compliant environment. Employers benefit from peace of mind, knowing their policies are effectively upheld, enhancing overall workplace safety and protocol compliance.

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