Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Brookside, CO

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month detection window for substances like alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, moderately tricky to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg, which is optimal for screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional panels, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four essential phases in laboratory drug test processing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial processing of a sample in a lab's system. It involves ensuring the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data not included by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial check for drugs of abuse. It's an economical way to eliminate drug use in most samples, but a positive result requires confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples testing presumptively positive in Screening need further confirmation.

Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. This step isolates drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug testing the most challenging to conduct.

Confirming positive screening results is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation in compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection period.
• Difficulty to cheat: Cheating a hair drug test is nearly impossible, enhancing the accuracy of results.
• Historical data: It can highlight a pattern of drug use over a timeframe, not just recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: It takes around 5-7 days for drugs to be detectable in hair.
• Cost: Hair tests are typically more costly than other drug testing methods.
• Result variations: Factors such as hair color and individual hair growth variations can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Brookside, CO, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests due to its superior accuracy. Hair tests are less susceptible to being altered, ensuring more reliable results compared to urine tests.

• Higher detection accuracy.
• Greater reliability than urine testing.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Brookside, CO, gain a detailed perspective on substance use histories spanning as long as 90 days through hair follicle testing. This extended detection window offers an advantage over other methods.

• Comprehensive review of substance use.
• Effective for long-term evaluation.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The hair follicle drug tests in Brookside, CO, offer a tamper-resistant method that minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. This method is reliable and provides unquestionable results.

• Significantly reduces tampering chances.
• Ensures authentic results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With numerous testing centers nationwide, including Brookside, CO, accessing drug testing services is convenient and hassle-free. These local locations provide quick and easy testing options.

• Convenient access to testing centers.
• Effortless and quick testing services.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our testing process in Brookside, CO assures simplicity and confidentiality from ordering to receiving results. This addresses privacy concerns while ensuring user-friendliness.

• Simple and clear process.
• Confidentiality is maintained throughout.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Brookside, CO, benefits from our competitive pricing and swift turnaround on hair follicle testing. These factors give businesses value for money and peace of mind with rapid results.

• Competitive pricing structures.
• Fast processing times.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle drug tests in Brookside, CO, embody fast and precise testing methods. Essential for accurate detection, these tests offer high reliability in determining substance use.
Speed and precision are core advantages, making it a preferred choice for many.

• Quick processing ensures minimal waiting time.
• High accuracy helps in obtaining clear and definitive results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Adopting hair follicle testing in Brookside, CO, aids employers in ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and enhancing safety.
Peace of mind for companies, as this method supports a healthier environment.

• Ensures policy adherence.
• Enhances workplace safety.

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