Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Alma, CO

What it is, How it works

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:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is challenging, which enhances result accuracy.
• Offers historical insight: It indicates a pattern of drug use over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot indicate recent consumption: It generally takes around 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expensive: Hair drug tests tend to be costlier than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: The test often called "hair follicle tests" actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

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.

Extended Detection Window

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.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

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.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

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.

Simple, Confidential Process

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.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

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.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

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.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

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.

Drug Testing Near Alma, CO

Hartsel, CO

Red Cliff, CO

Keystone, CO

Frisco, CO

Granite, CO

Copper Mountain, CO

Jefferson, CO

Garo, CO

Breckenridge, CO

Leadville North, CO

Lake City, CO

Leadville, CO

Blue River, CO

Como, CO

Fairplay, CO

What's New In Hair Follicle Drug Testing according to the Hair Drug Testing Experts

With its multidisciplinary nature, hair testing brings together researchers, scientists, and experts from various domains to develop innovative techniques, explore new methodologies, and address emerging concerns, responding to the ever-evolving challenges of drug abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring, and environmental exposures to pollutants.

The joint meeting of the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) and the Italian Group of Forensic Toxicologists (GTFI) was organized in Verona, June 8–10, 2022, and hosted by the Legal Medicine team of the Verona University Hospital, directed by Franco Tagliaro together with Federica Bortolotti and Rossella Gottardo.

It served as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, facilitating groundbreaking advancements in hair testing and analysis. In this special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, we aim to showcase the remarkable manuscripts presented at this significant event, shedding light on the latest research and highlighting the future directions in this field.

Novel Analytical Techniques: The Verona meeting witnessed the unveiling of cutting-edge analytical techniques, offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy for drug testing. Remarkable advancements in sample preparation, detection, and identification of drug compounds have been presented. The manuscripts in this section presented novel approaches, such as multianalyte methods and on-line preparation which can enable rapid analysis and improve thorough forensic investigations.

Biomarkers and Pharmacokinetics: The identification and validation of reliable biomarkers and pharmacokinetic studies are fundamental aspects of drug testing and analysis. The impact of hair treatments on the oxidation/decomposition of drugs in hair was also explored, as the long-term fate of drugs incorporated in the keratin matrix. Furthermore, the SoHT meeting in Verona featured research on the identification and quantification of alcohol abuse biomarkers, their stability, and their correlation with exposure and other biomarkers.

Forensic Applications and Interpretation: One of the vital objectives of hair testing is its application in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. The SoHT meeting in Verona emphasized the significance of rigorous interpretation of analytical results and the need for standardized protocols. Manuscripts in this section present advancements in forensic toxicology, and have explored the challenges posed by emerging designer drugs and strategies to combat their proliferation. The pitfalls encountered when the exogenous/endogenous nature of a substance is questioned were presented and discussed. The special issue presents also manuscripts that delve into the ethical implications of drug testing in drug facilitated sexual assaults.

Clinical Applications of hair testing are witnessed by the insight on environmental tobacco smoke exposure, assessed by hair analysis in a population of students and the study of in utero-exposure to drugs of abuse through neonatal hair analysis. Exposure to drugs was also important in cases of child abuse/neglect, when the clinical purpose of hair testing merge with its forensic applications.

The legal framework surrounding hair testing and the achievement of guidelines to ensure fairness, accuracy, and confidentiality in drug testing practices have also been discussed,and the SoHT consensus on general hair testing and testing for drugs of abuse was presented at the meeting and published as a Letter to the Editor.

In conclusion, the special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, featuring manuscripts from the SoHT–GTFI meeting in Verona 2022, reflects the remarkable advancements achieved in this field. The manuscripts provide valuable insights into novel analytical techniques, biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, forensic applications, and ethical considerations. As we embrace these advancements, we pave the way for a safer, healthier society, where drug testing and analysis serve as powerful tools in protecting public health and maintaining integrity in various sectors. The research presented in this special issue will undoubtedly shape the future of drug testing and analysis, fostering collaboration and inspiring further innovation in this crucial area of scientific inquiry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews