Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extensive timeline of alcohol and drug intake by encapsulating biomarkers within the hair strand fibers as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can indicate drug and alcohol use for up to around three months. It is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hairs (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) from the scalp's proximity, provides 100mg of hair, which is perfect for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or tests over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to check the sample weight using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. Referencing head hair pertains strictly to scalp hair. Body hair denotes other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in processing a laboratory drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to initially processing a sample into the lab's records. This process verifies that the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry not already provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary test for drugs of abuse. Although it is a cost-efficient method for ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive screening must be verified for court admissibility. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require a secondary validation.
If a sample is identified as presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial specimen for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most intricate method to execute.
Validation of any positive screening is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", this test assesses the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Chacra, CO, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing due to its superior detection capabilities. Hair tests provide a broader window for identifying substance use, offering greater accuracy and reliability. Comparatively, urine tests have a limited detection span, making hair testing the more effective choice for comprehensive substance analysis.
Employers in Chacra, CO benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, which can span up to 90 days. This longer period allows a deeper insight into an individual's drug use history, far exceeding the restricted timeframe of urine testing, and facilitating more informed employment decisions.
In Chacra, CO, hair follicle tests significantly minimize tampering risks, thanks to their robust process. This ensures reliable and indisputable results, as the hair sample cannot be easily adulterated. This integrity offers peace of mind in settings where test accuracy is paramount.
Our services in Chacra, CO offer convenient nationwide testing locations, ensuring ease of access. The extensive network eliminates the hassle of finding a testing site, providing seamless, quick, and efficient testing experiences locally and across the country.
In Chacra, CO, the confidential process of our hair follicle testing is straightforward and private. From ordering to receiving results, we prioritize your privacy, ensuring a user-friendly experience devoid of complications, thus addressing any concerns related to confidentiality and ease of use.
With competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times in Chacra, CO, our hair follicle testing services offer exceptional value. Cost-effective options cater to organizations of all sizes, along with speedy results, providing a comprehensive service package that balances quality and affordability.
Precision and Speed in Chacra, CO make hair follicle drug tests a top choice. Their accuracy in identifying substance use is unparalleled, ensuring reliable results each time. The swift processing ensures you get results fast, alleviating concerns over prolonged waiting periods and making sure decisions are made efficiently and confidently.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Chacra, CO helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks while enhancing safety. Peace of mind is ensured through adherence to company policies, demonstrating a commitment to a safe work environment.
