Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair for testing has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of drug and alcohol use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can present close to a 3-month detection timeframe for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will supply 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screenings exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. In discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair solely. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for analyzing drug test results involves four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the preliminary entry of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process includes confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. While it effectively rules out drug use for most samples cost-efficiently, a positive result in Screening requires confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that test positive initially in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at a considerably lower concentration than in other testing methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive initial screen is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and adheres to the accreditation standards of ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The test often called "hair follicle tests" actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Alma, CO, hair follicle testing provides distinct advantages over traditional urine testing. It offers enhanced detection accuracy, uncovering substance use within a longer period. The reliability of hair tests surpasses that of urine tests, as hair can reveal patterns of drug use over months, not just days. This superior method supports employers seeking comprehensive insights into an individual's likelihood of substance use.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Alma, CO, captures a broader spectrum of drug use activity. Lasting up to 90 days, this method presents employers a detailed account of an individual's drug history. Unlike urine tests, which can only indicate recent use, hair tests offer a complete view, ensuring more accountable and informed evaluations.
Hair follicle tests in Alma, CO, are inherently tamper-resistant, a significant advantage in drug testing. Unlike urine tests, which can be subject to adulteration, hair tests provide concrete and authentic results. Employers and agencies benefit from reliable findings, reducing the risk of false negatives and ensuring accuracy in identifying substance use.
In Alma, CO, our widely available nationwide testing locations offer unmatched convenience. With extensive centers across the country, accessing drug testing services is prompt and hassle-free. Employers and individuals can effortlessly schedule tests, ensuring rapid turnaround and consistent service quality, whether locally or further afield.
The simple and confidential process in Alma, CO, for hair follicle testing ensures individuals can easily navigate testing requirements. From ordering to receiving results, the straightforward framework prioritizes user privacy and comfort. This seamless procedure reinforces trust among users and guarantees confidentiality throughout the entire process.
In Alma, CO, hair follicle testing offers affordable pricing alongside rapid result delivery. This balanced approach provides companies of all sizes with significant value, making comprehensive drug testing accessible without overwhelming costs. Quick turnaround times further enhance efficiency, allowing businesses to maintain their focus on core operations while ensuring safety and compliance.
Hair follicle drug tests in Alma, CO, provide speedy and accurate results, crucial for employers seeking reliable assessments. Their unparalleled accuracy in detecting substance use differentiates them from other methods. With fast processing times, individuals and organizations can receive outcomes with minimal delays, ensuring informed decision-making without compromising on precision.
Utilizing hair follicle tests in Alma, CO ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. These tests are integral in reducing legal risks, safeguarding the workplace, and fostering a culture of safety and accountability. Employers gain peace of mind by adopting this thorough and reliable method, reflecting a commitment to health and safety standards.
