Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting substance use. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drug consumption as biomarkers are embedded within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When hair near the scalp is sampled, it can reveal drug and alcohol use for a period of up to about 3 months. This method of collection is easy, less prone to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A hair specimen measuring 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels beyond 10, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to measure the hair on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be provided, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" pertains specifically to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes any other hair types (such as facial, armpit hair, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results involves four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary stage where a sample is integrated into the laboratory system. This step entails checking the sample’s sealing and shipping integrity, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling additional data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs a quick assessment for drug abuse. While Screening is an economical method for negating drug use in numerous samples, a 'positive' screen must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Any sample with a presumptive positive result in Screening requires a follow-up confirmation.
For samples flagged as positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial collection and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, substance extraction occurs at a reduced concentration compared with methods like urine or oral fluid testing, underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmatory testing of any positive Screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Blue River, CO
Hair testing outperforms traditional urine tests with its superior ability to detect a wide range of substances over an extended period. Unlike urine tests, hair tests offer a broader insight into usage patterns, benefiting employers and organizations looking for a reliable method to ensure compliance with zero-tolerance policies.
Extended Detection Window in Blue River, CO
The power of hair follicle testing lies in its ability to uncover drug use history for up to 90 days. For employers keen on understanding an applicant or employee's long-term substance habits, this extended detection window offers unparalleled insights, aiding in making informed decisions about workplace safety and security.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Blue River, CO
Hair follicle tests stand out due to their resistance to tampering, making them a preferred choice for reliable drug testing. In Blue River, CO, these tests minimize sample adulteration risks, ensuring results that are both trustworthy and accurate, hence boosting confidence among employers and judicial systems alike.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Blue River, CO
With testing centers widely available, including in Blue River, CO, we ensure that accessing testing services is hassle-free and swift. The convenience of our numerous nationwide locations means that testing is always within reach, streamlining the process for employers and individuals alike, thus enhancing service accessibility.
Simple, Confidential Process in Blue River, CO
Our testing protocol is both easy and confidential, making it straightforward to order, undergo, and receive results. In Blue River, CO, individuals can rest assured that their privacy is respected at each step, promoting a comfortable and stress-free experience, crucial for maintaining client trust and satisfaction.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Blue River, CO
Our approach combines competitive pricing with rapid result delivery, offering excellent value for businesses of every size. In Blue River, CO, the cost-effectiveness of hair follicle tests ensures that organizations can benefit from premier testing services without straining budgets, supporting informed decisions with confidence and cost-efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Blue River, CO
Hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their swiftness and unmatched precision. In Blue River, CO, the methodology provides an impressive ability to accurately discern substance use, setting a new standard for testing reliability. The quick turnaround time ensures prompt decision-making and maintains operational efficiency.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Blue River, CO
For employers, adopting hair follicle testing means upholding drug-free workplace policies with confidence. It reduces legal vulnerability and promotes safety. This testing approach provides a sense of security, as compliance with workplace regulations becomes seamlessly integrated into daily operations, ensuring peace of mind.
