Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Calhan, CO

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as a significant means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands encapsulate biomarkers that present a prolonged narrative of alcohol and drugs through the hair’s growth fibers. Gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection span of nearly 3 months for substances. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient for shipping.

A 1.5-inch hair sample, roughly 200 strands equivalent to a #2 pencil’s diameter, located closest to the scalp, offers 100mg of hair, which is the prime quantity for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, supplemental tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is ideal. We advocate weighing the hair with a jeweler’s scale. Where scalp hair cannot be accessed, a comparable quantity of body hair can be taken. When discussing head hair, it denotes scalp hair exclusively. Body hair covers all other types (such as facial or axillary).

Process Overview

The laboratory analysis of drug tests encompasses four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning marks the first step of integrating a sample into a lab system. This phase confirms the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and fills in any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody.

Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for drugs. While economical for ruling out substance use in numerous samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation to be legally viable. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate further validation.

In circumstances where Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the sample for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, drugs are derived from hair at a concentration substantially lower than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing uniquely challenging.

Confirmation of a positive screen is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives undergo a cleaning step before confirmation. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab process is scrutinized following CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug screening captures up to 90 days of drug use history, whereas urine tests offer a more limited window.
• Hard to fool: Cheating a hair drug test is highly challenging, leading to more trustworthy results.
• Chronicles past usage: It reveals a usage pattern over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Detection delay: It takes around 5-7 days post-use for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests cost more than alternative testing methods.
• Result variability: Variables like hair color and individual growth rates can impact metabolite concentrations.

Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", this type of test evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle itself beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Excels Over Urine Tests in Calhan, CO

Hair follicle tests in Calhan, CO offer a distinct edge over traditional urine tests. They possess a superior detection window and provide a more reliable and tamper-resistant testing method. Employers favoring these tests are ensured a more accurate representation of an individual's substance use history.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle tests in Calhan, CO cover a greater detection window, up to 90 days, compared to other tests. This capability allows employers and organizations to gain an extensive insight into an applicant or employee’s substance use history. Such a long detection timeframe provides a comprehensive overview, behaving as a more definitive assessment tool.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Calhan, CO, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant solution that minimizes sample adulteration risks. These tests ensure that the results are both reliable and defensible, as attempts to manipulate or mask drug use are significantly reduced with this mode of testing.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our widespread testing centers cover Calhan, CO locations, and beyond, ensuring convenience. Accredited Drug Testing’s nationwide footprint offers quick, straightforward, and hassle-free access to drug testing services, making the process seamless for all participants.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Calhan, CO is simple and confidential. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are designed to be user-friendly while maintaining privacy. This ensures every participant’s comfort and data protection throughout the entire testing journey.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing provides competitive pricing and rapid turnaround for hair follicle tests in Calhan, CO. Our affordable options coupled with quick result delivery offer exceptional value to companies irrespective of their size, ensuring they get the best return for their screenings.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

With hair follicle testing in Calhan, CO, expect swift and precise results. The method is renowned for its unparalleled precision in detecting substance use, ensuring that results accurately reflect an individual’s drug history. Its speed and accuracy bring confidence to both individuals and organizations, making it the preferred choice over other testing methods.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Calhan, CO gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method supports drug-free workplace policies effectively, curtailing legal risks and enhancing overall safety. The reliable nature of these tests aids in maintaining a secure and compliant workplace environment.

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