Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a compelling method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair serves as a repository for alcohol and drug history, capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for initial testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If head hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. Reference to head hair specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s process flow. This stage ensures the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any remaining data entries not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening operates as an initial rapid assessment for drugs of misuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to discount drug use in most samples, a positive screening necessitates confirmation for legal acceptability. Any samples testing positively in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample generates a positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. At this point, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), marking hair drug screening as particularly challenging to perform.
Confirmation of positive screening results is implemented using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Each sample that tests positively is washed as needed prior to confirmation. The entire sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated according to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why does hair follicle testing outshine urine testing in Bond, CO? The primary advantage is superior detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, which offer a narrower detection timeframe, hair tests provide a detailed account of substance use history, detecting drugs for up to 90 days. This enhanced accuracy gives stakeholders confidence in test results that are more comprehensive and reliable.
The benefit of an extended detection window sets hair follicle testing apart in Bond, CO. This method evaluates substance use over a period of up to 90 days, a critical advantage for businesses wanting a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance habits. Hair tests grant employers a broad lens into the substance use history of their employees or candidates.
Hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant method in Bond, CO, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. The inherent nature of hair testing ensures that samples are difficult to manipulate, providing results that are reliable and beyond question. This gives peace of mind to employers and ensures the integrity of every test conducted.
Our testing facilities, located conveniently nationwide, ensure that hair follicle testing in Bond, CO, is both quick and hassle-free. Accessible testing centers across various locations allow for easy access and timely services, contributing to a streamlined testing process no matter where you are situated.
Experience a simple and confidential process in Bond, CO, with our hair follicle testing services. The steps to order, conduct, and receive testing results are straightforward and designed with confidentiality as a priority. Concerns about privacy are addressed, ensuring that your testing process is seamless and discreet.
Providing excellent value for companies of all sizes in Bond, CO, our hair follicle testing boasts affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. With competitive pricing structures, we ensure cost-effective services without compromising on quality or speed. Our quick turnaround provides vital peace of mind to our clients.
In Bond, CO, hair follicle testing offers swift and precise outcomes that are renowned for their dependability. Hair follicle tests deliver quick results and present an extremely accurate picture of substance use over time. The sophisticated testing mechanisms ensure that the results are not only rapid but highly reliable, making them an excellent choice for both employers and individuals.
Hair follicle testing in Bond, CO, provides compliance and peace of mind for employers. Utilizing this testing method helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies, minimizes legal risks, and promotes overall workplace safety. By committing to such reliable testing, companies can confidently uphold their zero-tolerance standards.
