Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substances by embedding biomarkers in the hair's growing fibers. When obtained close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the recommended quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory's system. This procedure includes verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening includes an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. While this stage is cost-efficient for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive screening must be confirmed for it to be acceptable in court. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strands, not the follicles under the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Antonito, CO, offers several benefits over traditional urine tests. With superior detection accuracy, it provides more reliable results for identifying substance use.
Unlike urine tests, hair testing is less susceptible to tampering and covers a broader detection window. This ensures a clear perspective on a person's substance use history.
With hair follicle testing in Antonito, CO, detect drug use over extended periods. Capture a comprehensive snapshot of an individual's potential substance use history, spanning up to 90 days.
This testing method is optimal for employers seeking a thorough understanding of an applicant's drug history, leading to informed decision-making.
In Antonito, CO, hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant method that virtually eliminates sample adulteration risks. It ensures the reliability of test results, preventing questionable practices.
By utilizing this secure testing method, trust in the integrity of the collected samples is significantly enhanced, safeguarding against potential compliance issues.
With convenient nationwide and local testing centers in Antonito, CO, accessing drug testing services is quick and hassle-free. Our widespread locations guarantee ease and efficiency.
Whether locally or across the nation, secure and trustworthy hair follicle testing is within easy reach, simplifying the testing process for all.
The hair follicle testing process in Antonito, CO, is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is an effortless process that respects privacy.
Our streamlined procedure addresses any privacy concerns while ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish, elevating user confidence and satisfaction.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Antonito, CO, hair follicle testing provides significant value. Our pricing structure accommodates companies of various sizes.
Ensuring affordability without compromising speed or accuracy, our services deliver excellent returns on investment for businesses seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
In Antonito, CO, hair follicle drug tests boast fast, precise, and reliable results. Their high accuracy in substance detection surpasses traditional methods, granting confidence in the testing process.
These tests offer a higher level of accuracy, detecting substances that may be missed by other methods. The rapid turnaround ensures timely reporting of results, aiding in quick decision-making.
For employers in Antonito, CO, hair follicle testing offers peace of mind. It enhances compliance with drug-free policies, reducing legal risks while promoting workplace safety.
Implementing this method of drug testing helps ensure that businesses maintain a safe and compliant work environment, minimizing potential liabilities.