Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Buena Vista, CO

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is widely recognized as a potent means for unveiling drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the threads of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair testing can reveal alcohol and drug consumption over a period of up to three months. The collection process is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and uncomplicated to transport.

A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) from close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample quantity for both initial screenings and follow-up confirmations. For EtG, additional tests, or when exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing is suggested. If scalp hair is not available, a corresponding volume of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Conversely, body hair includes all other types like facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning consists of integrating a sample into a lab's system for the first time. This step ensures the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a unique Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and includes entering any extra data not captured by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening provides a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although it is a cost-effective strategy for eliminating drug presence in most samples, any sample with a positive screen needs confirmation for validity in legal settings. Samples with presumptive positives during Screening demand further confirmation.

Should a sample appear positive during the Screening, additional hair from the initial collection is extracted for further preparation. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than other practices like urine or oral fluid testing, rendering hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.

Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process before confirmation when necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is under scrutiny following CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection duration: Hair drug tests identify drug usage history for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests are confined to a shorter timeframe.
• High resistance to tampering: Cheating a hair drug test is exceedingly challenging, ensuring result reliability.
• Reveals usage trends: It illustrates drug consumption patterns over time rather than just recent use.

Limitations:

• Lacks immediacy: It takes roughly 5-7 days before drugs are traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug examinations typically incur higher costs compared to other testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in the hair.

Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing is preferred over traditional urine tests in Buena Vista, CO, thanks to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair samples offer an extensive detection window, capturing a detailed history of substance use. This enhanced capability provides a comprehensive analysis, making it an invaluable tool for both employers and legal entities in decision-making.

Extended Detection Window

In Buena Vista, CO, hair follicle tests provide an extended detection window that captures drug use histories up to 90 days, offering employers a substantial overview of a candidate or employee's past substance use. This long-term insight ensures a clearer understanding of an individual’s habits, thus contributing significantly to informed hiring and management processes.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Buena Vista, CO, is recognized for its tamper-resistant nature, significantly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. This testing process ensures the integrity of results, making them reliable and unquestionable. Such secure methods validate the accuracy and trustworthiness necessary for serious decision-making and enforcement.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Enjoy the convenience of nationwide testing centers in Buena Vista, CO, ensuring easy access to hair follicle testing services. With local facilities readily available, the testing process becomes seamless and hassle-free, providing individuals and businesses with prompt, efficient service in numerous locations around the country.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Buena Vista, CO, is simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, we ensure your privacy and ease of use at every step. This trusted process addresses concerns regarding confidentiality, offering peace of mind to all participants.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Buena Vista, CO, benefits from affordable pricing and rapid service through our hair follicle testing. Our competitive pricing ensures excellent value, catering to the financial needs of companies across various sizes. The fast turnaround time enhances operational efficiency, providing reassurance and satisfaction accordingly.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Buena Vista, CO, hair follicle drug testing stands out for providing fast, accurate, and reliable results. This testing method excels in its precision, effectively detecting substance use with confidence. With rapid processing, individuals and employers can trust the quick turnaround time, ensuring timely decision-making based on solid data.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Buena Vista, CO, gain compliance and peace of mind by adopting hair follicle testing. This method helps uphold drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal complications and promoting a safer, more productive work environment. By adhering to stringent testing standards, organizations foster trust and security among staff and stakeholders.

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