Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drugs and alcohol. Hair captures long-term indicators of alcohol and other substances, encasing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. By collecting hair near the scalp, it offers an approximate 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. This method is convenient to gather, resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion containing about 200 hairs (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for conducting screening and confirmation. For EtG, extended panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair can't be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it exclusively refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four major procedures involved in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab's system. This process ensures the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid check for illicit drugs. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug usage in most samples, a positive result needs confirmation to stand in court. Presumptively positive screens in samples require further verification.
If a sample is presumed positive during Screening, more hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are pulled from the hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Any positive results from Screening are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," this assessment evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Aspen, CO:
The detection accuracy of hair tests greatly surpasses the limitations of traditional urine tests. Employers in Aspen prefer hair testing because of its capability to identify substance use over an extended period, providing a clear, long-term view of use patterns that urine tests may miss.
Extended Detection Window in Aspen, CO:
Hair follicle tests afford a significant advantage with their ability to detect drug use over a period as long as 90 days, unlike traditional methods. This extended window provides a comprehensive insight into an individual's substance history, essential for a thorough assessment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Aspen, CO:
One of the standout features of hair testing is its resistance to adulteration. By reducing sample tampering risks, these tests assure the integrity and accuracy of the outcomes, providing stakeholders peace of mind with unassailable evidentiary value.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Aspen, CO:
Accessing our services is made simple with testing centers spread across the nation. Our local presence in Aspen ensures quick, convenient, and stress-free testing, supporting all individuals needing reliable and accessible drug testing solutions.
Simple, Confidential Process in Aspen, CO:
From initiation to results delivery, our process is designed with simplicity and confidentiality in mind. Keeping privacy top of priority, individuals can engage in the testing process with assurance of discretion, enabling a worry-free experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Aspen, CO:
Offering competitive pricing, our hair follicle testing solutions are not only cost-effective but also come with fast turnaround times. Ensuring excellent value, this service is tailored for companies seeking affordability and efficiency, catering to diverse organizational needs.
Hair follicle drug tests in Aspen, CO provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. Known for high precision, these tests detect the presence of substances with superior accuracy.
From sample collection to result interpretation, every step is designed to ensure the utmost reliability, making them a trusted choice for those in need of swift and correct outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Aspen, CO:
Adopting hair follicle testing assists in maintaining adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This approach diminishes legal liabilities while promoting a safe work environment, thus offering employers a solid reassurance of both regulatory compliance and workplace security.
