Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely regarded as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by trapping markers within the growing strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer up to a roughly 3-month window for detecting drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for initial and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent measure of body hair can be taken. Head hair specifically denotes scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and underarm hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the sample's initial integration into a lab's system. This step includes checking that the sample is properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not available via an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides an initial quick assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug use on most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any presumptive positives detected during Screening must undergo confirmation.
If the sample is indicated as positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (for instance, urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is regarded as the most intricate method.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives are cleansed as needed before confirmation. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated 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 termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Blue Mountain, CO, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests, particularly with its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests hold a distinct edge due to their extended detection periods and resistance to tampering, providing clients and employers with the assurance of unambiguous results.
Hair follicle testing in Blue Mountain, CO provides an expanded detection window, charting substance use over a considerable duration of up to 90 days. This extensive timeframe allows employers to acquire a holistic view of an employee's or applicant's history with substances, offering clarity and informed decision-making.
In Blue Mountain, CO, hair follicle testing significantly curtails the risks associated with sample manipulation. Due to the secure and monitored collection method, the test results remain legitimate and trustworthy, reinforcing integrity in testing procedures and ensuring peace of mind for all stakeholders.
Across Blue Mountain, CO, our nation-spanning network of testing centers facilitates effortless access to drug testing services. With convenient locations and expert staff, testing becomes a seamless experience, ensuring quick service and eliminating potential barriers for clients everywhere.
In Blue Mountain, CO, our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential, allowing users to effortlessly order, undergo, and receive their test results. This simple approach ensures privacy, accommodating those concerned with discretion and the ease of obtaining necessary testing information.
In Blue Mountain, CO, our competitive hair follicle testing offers affordability coupled with rapidly processed results, promising excellent value for businesses of diverse scales. With this cost-effective solution, companies gain confidence in the comprehensive testing quality delivered promptly and efficiently.
In Blue Mountain, CO, hair follicle drug tests deliver exceptional precision and speed, setting a high standard in substance detection. These tests accurately uncover a wide spectrum of substances, ensuring reliable results that clients can trust. With a streamlined process, results are obtained swiftly, making it an ideal choice for those requiring prompt outcomes.
Blue Mountain, CO employers can achieve compliance and tranquility by incorporating hair follicle testing in their operations. This testing method supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal liabilities and fostering a safer, more secure work environment for all.