Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can preserve a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within its growing strands. When taken near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and confirmation. For tests including EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is advisable. If scalp hair cannot be collected, the same quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair imply scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome encompasses four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with the sample's preliminary processing into the lab’s system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and handles any extra data entry absent in an electronic custody chain.
Screening entails an initial swift check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical means to discount drug usage across most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that yield a presumptive positive need a secondary confirmation.
For samples yielding a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and set for Extraction. During this phase, the drug extraction from hair occurs at a considerably lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive result from screening is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are washed before confirmation, as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Boone, CO
In Boone, CO, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests with superior detection accuracy and reliability. Its advanced method offers a more comprehensive view of drug use, making it the preferred choice for many testing scenarios.
Extended Detection Window in Boone, CO
Hair follicle testing in Boone, CO stands out for its extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use over the past 90 days. This gives employers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Boone, CO
The hair follicle test in Boone, CO significantly reduces the possibility of sample tampering. This method assures reliable and unquestioned results, enhancing the credibility of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Boone, CO
In Boone, CO, the convenience of nationwide testing centers offers quick and straightforward access to drug testing services, making the process seamless and stress-free for clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Boone, CO
The hair follicle testing process in Boone, CO is both straightforward and confidential, addressing any privacy concerns and ensuring ease of ordering, performing, and receiving results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Boone, CO
Competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times in Boone, CO make hair follicle testing a cost-effective solution, offering organizations great value and peace of mind regardless of size.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Boone, CO
In Boone, CO, hair follicle drug tests provide speedy and precise results, creating an efficient solution for detecting substance usage. This testing delivers high accuracy, setting it apart from other methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Boone, CO
Employers in Boone, CO gain reassurance from hair follicle testing, which ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizes legal exposure, and improves overall safety and security.
