Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Within the hair fibers, biomarkers are captured, offering an extended history of substance use. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal a drug and alcohol consumption history of approximately 3 months. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and transport is convenient.
Gathering a segment of hair that is 1.5 inches in length and contains around 200 strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) from close to the scalp yields 100mg, which is perfect for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is preferable. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically pertains to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result consists of four major phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into a lab's database. This step involves ensuring the sample was securely sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening serves as an initial assessment for substance abuse detection. Although it is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening need subsequent verification.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is obtained from the initial sample to prepare it for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug testing one of the most complex methodologies.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptively positive undergo washing as necessary before confirmation. The full lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specifications and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is commonly used, but the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
The Benefits of Hair Follicle Testing Over Urine Testing in Centennial, CO
Hair follicle tests offer an extended detection window, making them superior in accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests.
While urine tests only provide a short-term snapshot of drug usage, hair testing gives a more comprehensive view, ensuring a higher degree of detection accuracy.
Hair follicle testing in Centennial, CO, offers an extended detection window for drug use.
This method can reveal substance history up to 90 days back, giving employers a detailed view of a potential employee's past drug use.
In Centennial, CO, hair follicle testing reduces the risk of tampering significantly.
By employing an observed collection process, the reliability and integrity of the results are maintained, ensuring they are both conclusive and trustworthy.
At Accredited Drug Testing, we provide nation-wide convenience for those seeking hair follicle testing. Local and nationwide testing centers, including those in Centennial, CO, ensure convenience and accessibility.
With our network, scheduling and accessing testing services is quick and simple for all clients.
Hair follicle testing in Centennial, CO, is a straightforward and private process.
The ordering, testing, and result-receiving phases are designed to protect privacy and ensure ease of use, addressing any concerns about confidentiality effectively.
Affordable pricing and swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Centennial, CO, an excellent value.
With our competitive pricing models, businesses of all sizes can afford reliable testing services without compromising on quality.
When it comes to fast, accurate, and trustworthy results in Centennial, CO, hair follicle drug tests stand out. These tests offer a high precision rate in identifying substance use.
The efficiency of hair follicle testing ensures that results are delivered swiftly, maintaining a high level of accuracy that professionals rely upon for making informed decisions.
Employers in Centennial, CO, can gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free policies.
This approach not only minimizes legal risks but also boosts workplace safety and compliance.
