Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair imparts a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug presence by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When harvested near the scalp, hair can present a detection timeframe of up to about three months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, reasonably difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches comprising around 200 strands closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional check-ups, and/or testing that exceeds 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen is advisable. If scalp hair is missing, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be used. By head hair, we mean exclusively scalp hair, while body hair pertains to all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal steps in the laboratory handling of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial processing of a specimen into the laboratory's system. This involves confirming the appropriate sealing and shipping of the specimen, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and completing any remaining data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an immediate cursory check for drugs of abuse. While economical, it’s crucial to verify any positive screen for it to be legally valid. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For any sample showing presumptive positivity in the Screening step, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are gleaned from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the challenges of hair drug screening methodology.
Confirmation of any positive findings from Screening occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptive positive undergo washing prior to confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is vetted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligned with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually scrutinizes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing stands out in Catherine, CO, as a superior alternative to traditional urine tests. One significant advantage is the extended detection window. While urine tests cover a brief period, hair tests provide a comprehensive overview of drug use over 90 days.
This method offers greater accuracy and reliability, minimizing the risk of false negatives. Hair tests are less prone to manipulation, ensuring authenticity in results, a crucial factor for employers enforcing zero-tolerance policies.
The pragmatic benefits are evident; hair testing's longevity in detection and integrity surpasses that of urine tests, making it an excellent choice for stringent workplace standards.
Hair follicle testing's extended detection window in Catherine, CO, is pivotal in offering a thorough review of substance use. This method can trace drug consumption over a lengthy period, up to 90 days, providing insights that urine tests, limited to a shorter span, cannot offer.
This superior detection period is especially beneficial for employers seeking a comprehensive understanding of an applicant's or employee's substance habits, enabling them to uphold their drug-free workplace policies more effectively.
By offering an extensive view of a person's history, hair follicle testing serves as a powerful tool for those needing long-term analysis in substance detection.
The capacity to detect a detailed substance history arms employers with the knowledge they need, supporting informed and justified hiring decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Catherine, CO, is renowned for its tamper-resistant nature. The process significantly reduces the chances of adulteration, offering peace of mind that results can be trusted. This dependability makes hair testing a preferred choice for those needing verifiable results.
The method minimizes potential tampering tactics that are often associated with other types of drug tests, such as urine or saliva tests, enhancing the confidence in the compliance of the testee.
Employers and institutions benefit from consistent reliability and integrity in testing, ensuring any chance of foul play is negligible, providing secure and constructive outcomes.
Convenience is key with the nationwide network of testing centers, including Catherine, CO. Accredited Drug Testing provides easy access to services, making the testing process efficient and hassle-free.
Our expansive reach ensures that regardless of location, individuals and companies can readily obtain necessary tests without delay. This accessibility is crucial for timely compliance and adherence to regulations.
Locally in Catherine, quick and straightforward access to our facilities underscores our commitment to offering superior service and convenience.
In Catherine, CO, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be both simple and confidential. The streamlined procedure ensures ease from ordering to receipt of results, addressing concerns of privacy at every step.
Individuals seeking tests can expect an unobtrusive experience, with results managed discreetly. This respect for privacy is essential in providing confidence to those undergoing testing.
Simplicity and confidentiality are at the forefront, ensuring ease of use without compromising on test quality or security.
Affordable pricing combined with fast turnaround times makes hair follicle testing in Catherine, CO, exceptionally valuable. Competitive rates ensure companies of all sizes can benefit without financial strain.
Our efficient processing means results are returned swiftly, supporting time-sensitive decisions while maintaining budgetary constraints. This balance of cost and speed advantages organizations in managing their resources prudently.
Our commitment to value and efficiency sets us apart, offering peace of mind through economic pricing and rapid result delivery.
The efficiency of hair follicle drug testing in Catherine, CO, lies in its precision and quick processing. Hair follicle tests offer reliable results, pinpointing substance use with high accuracy. These tests efficiently identify a range of substances, ensuring clear and trustworthy results.
Unlike traditional methods, the speed of results from hair testing is unmatched. This accurate assessment aids in making informed decisions quickly, crucial for employers and institutions requiring timely data.
Hair follicle testing combines rapid analysis with reliability, ensuring that results are not only fast but also accurately reflect an individual's drug history, crucial for maintaining a drug-free environment.
In Catherine, CO, hair follicle testing supports employers' commitment to drug-free workplaces, offering compliance and peace of mind. This method ensures adherence to workplace policies, minimizing legal risks associated with substance abuse.
Emphasizing reliability, hair testing aids in safeguarding work environments, reducing liability, and promoting employee well-being. Employers gain confidence, knowing they can enforce policies effectively.
With comprehensive testing services, the peace of mind that comes with accurate, tamper-proof results supports employers in enhancing safety, productivity, and a collective sense of security at work.
