Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair retains a longer history of substance exposure by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair can indicate alcohol and drug presence over an approximate three-month window. Hair collection is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hairs (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil), positioned closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for accurate weighing. If scalp hair is not available, equivalent body hair may be collected. The term head hair specifically denotes scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Outline
The laboratory procedure to obtain a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is logged into the laboratory's system. This step includes checking that the sample has been correctly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any needed data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in most samples, court-admissible results require confirmation of any positive screen. Samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, chemicals are pulled from the hair at significantly lower levels than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), a factor that contributes to the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is executed using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard in addition to compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 requirements.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", they actually analyze the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Cahone, CO, hair follicle tests outperform traditional urine tests. Their extended detection duration, typically up to 90 days, contrasts sharply with urine tests which offer shorter windows. This makes them a robust choice for employers seeking comprehensive insights into an individual's substance use patterns.
The extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing in Cahone, CO, spans up to 90 days. This method allows employers to gain a broader view of an individual's substance use history. It enables informed decisions in hiring or maintaining a safe workplace, offering insights beyond the capabilities of traditional testing methods.
Hair follicle testing in Cahone, CO, significantly curtails the risk of sample tampering. Its robust collection process makes it difficult to adulterate samples, resulting in reliable and clear results. This assurance is crucial for employers and bodies aiming to maintain integrity in drug testing protocols.
Nationwide testing centers make hair follicle testing in Cahone, CO, convenient and accessible. With numerous local sites, individuals and employers can easily access testing services quickly and efficiently, facilitating a seamless process for those requiring prompt and reliable results.
The process of hair follicle testing in Cahone, CO, is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to assure privacy and ease of use. Individuals concerned about their personal information can trust that their data is secure throughout the entire process.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround, hair follicle testing in Cahone, CO, ensures that companies receive excellent value. This cost-effective solution provides timely results, catering to businesses of varying sizes seeking dependable and quick testing services.
Hair follicle drug tests in Cahone, CO, offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. Renowned for their precision, these tests can track substance use with high accuracy. Their ability to detect recent and long-term drug use positions them as an essential tool for employers and other stakeholders seeking dependable testing methods.
In Cahone, CO, hair follicle testing secures employer compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Its effective and non-intrusive nature reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety. Employers gain peace of mind knowing the testing process adheres to regulations and supports a secure work environment.
