Cedarwood Hair Drug Testing - Locations in Cedarwood CO

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for spotting drug and alcohol usage. Hair strands capture biomarkers within the fibers of their structure, offering a historical record of alcohol and drug intake. When sourced near the scalp, these samples offer a look-back period of up to three months for alcohol and drug detection. Collecting hair is straightforward, with minimal chances of tampering, and it is also easy to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in size), yields 100mg, which is optimal for a comprehensive screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding ten, 150mg of hair is recommended. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is advised. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Conversely, body hair encompasses facial, axillary, and other types.

Process Overview

The drug test result processing in a lab involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the first step, entailing sample reception into the lab’s system. This step checks for proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and manages any outstanding data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening functions as an initial scan for drugs of abuse. Though cost-efficient for identifying drug-free samples, a positive outcome in Screening requires further validation for legal acceptability. Samples testing positive in Screening move to the next phase for a confirmatory check.

Presumptive positives identified during Screening call for additional hair extraction from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. This step involves separating drugs from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.

Confirmation of Screening positives employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technology. Before confirmation, washing of positive samples is conducted when necessary. The whole lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, aligns with CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

Long detection window: Hair testing covers up to 90 days of drug use, surpassing the shorter timeframe of urine tests.
Difficulty to cheat: The integrity of a hair drug test is hard to breach, ensuring more credible results.
Provides historical data: It reveals a long-term pattern of drug use, offering insights beyond recent consumption.

Limitations:

Cannot detect recent use: Detection in hair takes about 5-7 days from drug intake.
Cost: Generally, hair drug tests cost more than other testing options.
Variations in results: Hair color and personal hair growth differences can impact drug metabolite levels in hair samples.

Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the focus is on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cedarwood, CO

Hair tests offer consistent accuracy over traditional urine tests in detecting drug use.
Employers and legal entities benefit from hair testing's reliable results, crucial for decision-making.
The superior detection windows make hair tests an advantageous option for comprehensive monitoring.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Cedarwood, CO

Hair follicle analysis covers up to 90 days of drug use history, surpassing traditional methods.
Employers gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance habits over time.
This extended window is crucial for informed employment decisions and monitoring.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cedarwood, CO

Hair follicle testing minimizes the potential for altering test samples, ensuring integrity.
Employers can rely on these tests for dependable and conclusive results.
The test design inherently guards against tampering, fortifying the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Cedarwood, CO

Our extensive network ensures convenient access to testing services nationwide.
Local centers in Cedarwood facilitate a hassle-free process for all clients.
The availability of numerous locations allows for quick and easy testing logistics.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Cedarwood, CO

The testing procedure is straightforward and respects client privacy at every stage.
Users can easily order, undergo, and receive their results securely.
This simplicity helps address privacy concerns and promotes ease of use for all individuals.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cedarwood, CO

Our pricing is competitive, offering excellent value for all sizes of businesses.
We ensure rapid test processing, aiding swift decision-making for all parties involved.
Cost-effective solutions are paired with quick results to provide complete peace of mind.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cedarwood, CO

Hair follicle drug tests provide rapid results, ensuring swift decision-making for employers.
The accuracy of these tests is unmatched, with precision in identifying a range of substances.
Clients can trust in the reliability of hair tests for uncovering substance use.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cedarwood, CO

By utilizing hair follicle testing, workplaces adhere to drug-free policy mandates.
This mitigates legal risks and enhances the overall safety of the working environment.
Employers experience peace of mind with hair testing's superior compliance assurance.