Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a chronic history of alcohol and drugs by trapping biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol intake over an estimated three-month span. Hair is straightforward to gather, moderately challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches with approximately 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional checks, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It's advisable to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. In any case of absence of scalp hair, an equivalent mass of body hair can be collected. “Head hair†denotes scalp hair exclusively. "Body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning concerns the initial handling of a specimen within a lab system. This step involves confirming that the sample is well sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random laboratory accessioning number (LAN), and completing any needed data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as a preliminary inspection for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to negate drug usage in most samples, any positive results must be verified to be court-admissible. Samples that show presumptive positives during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a Screening yields a presumptive positive, extra hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, rendering hair testing notably complex.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are used for confirming any positive outcomes from the screening. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed if necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated in accordance with both the standards of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", the test focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Advantages of Hair Testing Over Urine Testing in Boyero, CO
Hair follicle tests outperform traditional urine tests in Boyero due to superior detection accuracy and reliability. They provide a broader detection window, revealing drug use up to 90 days prior, while urine tests only detect recent use. This makes hair tests a more comprehensive and dependable choice for employers enforcing strict drug-free policies.
Extended Detection Window in Boyero, CO
Hair follicle drug testing shines with its ability to detect substance use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This comprehensive timeline offers employers in Boyero, CO, a thorough understanding of an individual's drug history, making it invaluable for ensuring safety and compliance in the workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Boyero, CO
Hair follicle tests are renowned for their tamper-proof nature, substantially reducing sample adulteration risks in Boyero, CO. This method guarantees dependable and incontrovertible results, offering peace of mind to both employers and individuals by eliminating concerns about falsified outcomes.
Convenient Testing Locations in Boyero, CO
With a wide-reaching network of testing centers, accessing services is effortless in Boyero, CO. Our nationwide facilities ensure ease and convenience for individuals needing testing, providing quick and straightforward access, thus eliminating hassle and making the testing process seamless.
Simple and Confidential Testing Process in Boyero, CO
The hair follicle testing process in Boyero, CO is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering your test to taking it and receiving results, each step ensures privacy and ease of use, addressing common concerns about personal information security and process intricacy.
Affordable and Swift Testing in Boyero, CO
Our competitive pricing models and quick turnaround times for hair follicle tests provide outstanding value in Boyero, CO. These accessible rates and fast results offer companies of all sizes a cost-effective solution for their drug testing needs, delivering assurance and value.
Fast, Accurate Results in Boyero, CO
Hair follicle testing offers remarkable precision and swift outcomes, providing reliable detection of substances in Boyero, CO. This modern approach is adept at identifying drug use with unparalleled accuracy, ensuring results that employers and individuals can trust. The speed and reliability make it a preferred choice for those seeking definitive testing solutions.
Ensuring Compliance in Boyero, CO
Hair follicle testing is pivotal in maintaining compliance with workplace drug-free policies in Boyero, CO. Its consistent results mitigate legal risks and enhance workplace safety, providing employers peace of mind. This testing method supports organizational efforts to uphold their commitment to a safe and compliant environment.