Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol use. It chronicles extended histories by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer around a 3-month window to detect alcohol and drug use. This sample is easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to ship.
A segment of 1.5 inches from about 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) close to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale for precise weight. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be taken. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair references all other hairs (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The standard process for lab analysis of a drug test outcome consists of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s system, verifying the sample's proper seal and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial, rapid assessment for drug abuse. While it's a cost-efficient measure to rule out drug usage in most cases, a confirmed result is necessary to admissibility in legal contexts. Samples showing presumptive positives during Screening require further confirmation.
If there is a presumptive positive during Screening, extra hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are drawn from hair at a lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screen is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. Every step from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is actually performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Beulah Valley, CO outperforms traditional urine tests by offering better detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair testing identifies long-term drug usage, making it a preferred choice for consistent monitoring. Superior accuracy is a notable benefit over urine testing.
In Beulah Valley, CO, hair follicle tests provide an extensive detection timeframe, reaching up to 90 days. This extended window offers employers a more comprehensive view of substance use history, allowing for informed decisions about potential hires or existing employees. Extended detection serves as a beneficial feature.
The hair follicle testing method in Beulah Valley, CO significantly minimizes the possibility of sample tampering. Its robust nature ensures reliable, trustworthy results every time. Reduction in tampering enhances the integrity of the test outcomes, offering peace of mind.
Testing in Beulah Valley, CO is made convenient thanks to our extensive network of nationwide centers. Local facilities ensure easy and prompt access to testing services, allowing for swift and hassle-free procedures. Convenience stands as a primary benefit of our testing locations.
The process for conducting hair follicle tests in Beulah Valley, CO is straightforward and discreet. Ordering, testing, and receiving results are designed to protect privacy while being user-friendly, addressing any potential concerns about confidentiality. Simplicity and confidentiality are key components of our testing approach.
In Beulah Valley, CO, we offer competitive pricing and rapid turnaround for hair follicle testing, delivering excellent value for organizations of all sizes. Quick results paired with affordable pricing provide companies with peace of mind and financial efficiency.
Hair follicle drug tests in Beulah Valley, CO are renowned for their fast, accurate, and dependable results. They offer precise detection capabilities that ensure reliable identification of substance use in individuals. Speed and precision make these tests a preferred method for conducting drug testing.
For employers in Beulah Valley, CO, hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace regulations, thus reducing legal liabilities. It heightens workplace safety and provides confidence in maintaining a compliant and secure environment. Employer compliance and safety are enhanced through this testing method.