Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Alpine, CO

Employment, DOT, Court Ordered, Personal
Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG

7 Hair Drug Testing Centers in Alpine

Minutes Away, Test Today

Po Box 639 19021 Us Hwy 28537.02 miles

Po Box 639 19021 Us Hwy 285
La Jara, CO 81140

459 Lewis St37.26 miles

459 Lewis St
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

6750 Cramer Rd39.49 miles

6750 Cramer Rd
Alamosa, CO 81101

95 S Pagosa Blvd40.84 miles

95 S Pagosa Blvd
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

2115 Stuart Ave41.11 miles

2115 Stuart Ave
Alamosa, CO 81101

106 Blanca Ave41.42 miles

106 Blanca Ave
Alamosa, CO 81101

2329 Lava Ln42.77 miles

2329 Lava Ln
Alamosa, CO 81101

Employment, Court Ordered, Probation, Family

Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug assessments in Alpine, Colorado. If a hair drug or alcohol evaluation is required, we excel in such tests and have facilities nationwide ready to conduct them. Generally, a hair sample of 1.5 to 2 inches from the head or body suffices. These analyses can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be customized as needed.

Recently, hair follicle drug testing has gained prominence over traditional methods. Numerous employers, legal systems, and Substance Abuse experts now opt for hair tests over urine ones. This method is favored by entities enforcing zero-tolerance policies, legal authorities, and probationers. Its main advantage is its ability to trace drug use over a period of up to 90 days, following a monitored collection procedure, which is hard to compromise. Yet, for drug usage in the past 5 days, urine tests remain the benchmark.

What it is, How it works

Hair examinations have gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term evidence of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. The collection of hair is easy, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to dispatch.

A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately as thick as a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation testing. For EtG, additional testing, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is absent, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. The term head hair refers solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The drug test result laboratory processing comprises the key steps of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the lab system. This process involves confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, issuing a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing additional data entry if not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening serves as an initial rapid evaluation for substances of misuse. It provides an affordable option to dismiss drug use for most samples, yet a positive screen necessitates validation to be legally recognized. Any samples testing presumptive positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.

Should a sample exhibit presumptive positivity during Screening, more hair is derived from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower levels compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), marking hair drug screening as the most challenging methodology to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab process is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and also its accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

  • Extended detection timeframe: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage up to 90 days, relative to urine tests, which offer a shorter detection timeframe.
  • Hard to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test proves very difficult, ensuring higher result accuracy.
  • Supplies historical data: It can delineate a drug usage trend over time, rather than capturing only recent usage.

Limitations:

  • Unable to detect recent use: It usually takes around 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
  • Expense: Hair drug tests commonly cost more than alternative drug testing approaches.
  • Result variability: Variables such as hair color and personal hair growth differences can influence metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Even though often termed "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Alpine, CO
Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over urine testing, primarily in its superior detection accuracy. While traditional urine tests are effective, hair tests cover a broader window of drug detection.

In Alpine, hair testing provides a more reliable and tamper-proof method compared to urine tests, making it ideal for employers and legal entities seeking comprehensive insights.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Alpine, CO
Hair follicle testing is acclaimed for its ability to detect substance use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This expansive window allows employers to gain a detailed view of the applicant or employee's past behavior.

With such a prolonged period of detection, businesses in Alpine can make informed decisions, focusing on long-term patterns of substance use rather than recent activity free of substances.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Alpine, CO
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the likelihood of sample tampering, ensuring trustworthy results. The robust nature of this testing technique is designed to resist alteration or contamination.

This method's enhanced security in Alpine provides peace of mind to employers, ensuring that results truly reflect the substance use history of the individual being tested.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Alpine, CO
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures that residents of Alpine can easily access our services. With nationwide coverage, testing becomes a seamless experience for all users.

Local facilities in Alpine minimize the hassle of long commutes, facilitating a more efficient process from testing to receiving results.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Alpine, CO
The process of ordering, undergoing, and obtaining results from hair follicle tests is both straightforward and confidential. This simplicity addresses privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use.

In Alpine, this method supports individuals' needs for discretion without compromising on the accuracy and quality of the test.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Alpine, CO
We pride ourselves on competitive pricing structures that do not compromise on quality, offering remarkable value for businesses of every size.

Fast turnaround times in Alpine ensure that clients receive results swiftly, maintaining the balance between cost and efficiency for optimal satisfaction.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Alpine, CO
Hair follicle drug tests stand out in offering not only precise but rapid results in Alpine. This precision ensures detection of substance use with remarkable accuracy, making them a favored choice for those prioritizing reliability.

The hair follicle method allows users to receive results more promptly compared to traditional methods. This quick turnaround enhances decision-making processes significantly.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Alpine, CO
Employers opting for hair follicle testing ensure they're aligning with stringent workplace drug-free policies. This compliance mitigates legal risks and fosters a secure, productive environment.

Hair testing reinforces a company's commitment to maintaining a safe workplace, safeguarding both employees and organizational interests efficiently.

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.


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Frequently Asked Questions

A hair follicle drug test analyzes a small sample of hair to detect a history of drug use over time. Because drug metabolites are incorporated into hair as it grows, this method can show patterns of use instead of just recent exposure. It is frequently used for legal and court requirements, long-term monitoring, and high-trust workforce screening.
Standard hair drug testing typically reflects drug use over approximately a 90-day period, based on the length of hair collected at the time of testing. Longer hair can sometimes reflect a longer time frame, and extremely short hair can reduce that window.
Hair drug testing commonly screens for marijuana/THC, cocaine, opiates/opioids, amphetamines/methamphetamines, and PCP. In many cases, additional expanded panels may be requested to include other substances.
Yes. If the donor's head hair is too short or unavailable, body hair may be collected as an alternative. The collector will document the source of the sample. This allows testing even for individuals with recently cut or shaved head hair.
Yes. Hair drug testing is commonly used in court, probation, custody, and compliance matters because the collection process follows a documented chain of custody and the analysis is performed by a certified laboratory. Results are provided in a form that can be reviewed by legal and administrative authorities.
Yes. Individuals, parents, attorneys, employers, and probation programs can all request hair drug testing. A doctor's order is not required. Results are confidential and released only to the authorized requesting party.
Hair testing provides a longer look-back period than urine testing, making it useful when you need to demonstrate ongoing abstinence or identify repeated/recent substance use patterns over time rather than just recent exposure. It is frequently selected for legal, compliance, and custody-related documentation.
A small section of hair is cut by a trained collector in a discreet, controlled manner. The sample is sealed, documented, and sent to the laboratory under established chain-of-custody procedures so that the results can be defended if they are ever challenged.

Customer Reviews

Sweet and helpful

Trish was amazing and got me through the sytem very fast and swift. I had a hard time hearing her a couple of times, but she was super sweet and helpful throughout the process. Highly recommend her!

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Quick, knowledgeable and courteous Janelle worked diligently to support me. I am recommending their services to anyone looking.

Greensboro Joseph - 11/19/2024

Very Fun and Easy

Trish last week and Tatiana this week, very fun and easy folks to deal with. Well be using them more and more in the future.

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