Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Caddoa, CO

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as a robust mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands offer an extended timeline of drug and alcohol usage by embedding biomarkers within the growing fibers. Collected near the scalp, hair presents an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. The collection process of hair is straightforward, tough to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A segment of 1.5 inches consisting of 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) cut closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For cases involving EtG, additional testing, or panels beyond 10, a sample weighing 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar amount of body hair can be substituted. "Head hair" denotes scalp hair strictly, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The process in the lab for processing drug test results consists of four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the initial handling of a sample in the lab’s system. This step includes checking if the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for illegal substances. Although Screening is an economical method for excluding drug consumption in most samples, any sample with a positive result requires confirmation for legal validity. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo a second confirmation step.

Should a sample show a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction process. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair in much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug analysis is the most complex method to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS tests. All samples showing presumptive positives are cleansed as needed before confirmation. The entire lab process covering Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use up to 90 days, as opposed to urine tests, which offer a shorter timeframe.
• Challenging to falsify: Hair drug tests are notably hard to deceive, thereby ensuring more precise outcomes.
• Shows usage trends: These tests can display a drug usage pattern over time, not merely recent intake.

Drawbacks:

• Incapable of identifying recent use: It typically requires 5-7 days after drug intake for it to be detectible in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than alternate drug testing approaches.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences may influence the levels of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the actual testing 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 Caddoa, CO

In Caddoa, CO, hair testing provides superior detection over urine tests. A major advantage is the increased accuracy and reliability, with hair tests less susceptible to tampering. Compared to urine analysis, hair testing offers a broader detection window, encompassing up to 90 days of history, effectively tracing ongoing or periodic drug use that would otherwise go undetected in urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Caddoa, CO

The substantial detection window of hair follicle drug testing offers employers in Caddoa an expansive look into substance use. Hair tests grant a comprehensive overview of an individual's drug history for up to 90 days, ensuring thorough understanding and enabling informed decisions. This extended detection surpasses traditional methods, securing accurate insight into potential issues.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Caddoa, CO

Hair follicle testing in Caddoa significantly mitigates tampering risks. This method ensures a robust barrier against sample adulteration, yielding trustworthy, indisputable outcomes. The characteristics of hair sampling make altering results exceedingly difficult, providing reliable data essential for decision-making in sensitive scenarios.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Caddoa, CO

The nationwide network of testing locations, including local centers in Caddoa, ensures seamless access to drug testing services. Efficient and widespread availability guarantees a hassle-free experience for individuals and companies alike. This convenience means that whether near or far, testing services are readily accessible.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Caddoa, CO

Our process in Caddoa is designed to be simple and private, enhancing user confidence and ease. From ordering to receiving results, every step maintains confidentiality. This discreet approach ensures privacy, addressing concerns and promoting a user-friendly experience for individuals undergoing drug testing.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Caddoa, CO

Cost effectiveness and rapid results are key advantages of our services in Caddoa. Our competitive pricing models align with quick turnaround times, offering great value for companies of varying sizes. Economical rates paired with efficient processing deliver desirable outcomes, aiding budget-conscious decisions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Caddoa, CO

Experience the benefits of rapid, precise results that hair follicle testing provides. Compared to traditional methods, hair tests offer superior accuracy in pinpointing substance use, eliminating frustrating delays in obtaining results. Fast processing ensures that decisions can be made swiftly, supporting effective and timely hiring or compliance processes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Caddoa, CO

Employers in Caddoa benefit from peace of mind and enhanced compliance when integrating hair follicle testing into their processes. Adopting this method supports adherence to drug-free policies, effectively decreases legal vulnerabilities, and fosters a safer working environment, thus reinforcing the organization’s commitment to health and safety.

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