Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is known as a potent method for spotting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair gives an extended record of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the maturing hair strand. When taken from near the scalp, hair can show a detection window of up to three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, quite hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample size for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, or analysis surpassing 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. We advise measuring the specimen on a precision scale. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair signifies all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the laboratory handling of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the initial handling of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This process includes confirming the sample was sealed and delivered appropriately, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any other data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid test for substances of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient means to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation to be acceptable in judicial settings. Samples that are likely positive in Screening demand an additional confirmation.
If a sample is suspected of being positive during the Screening phase, more hair is drawn from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this stage, substances are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is among the toughest methods to execute.
Confirmation of any result indicating drugs is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples preliminarily positive get cleaned before confirmation as required. The full laboratory workflow from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the testing inspects the hair strand, excluding the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Chama, CO
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests, the benefits are evident. Hair tests provide superior detection accuracy over extended periods and are less prone to manipulation. While urine tests may offer quicker insights into recent use, hair testing excels in illustrating more comprehensive historical drug use.
Extended Detection Window in Chama, CO
The extended detection period of hair follicle tests—up to 90 days—offers a significant advantage. It allows employers a detailed overview of an individual's substance history beyond recent use, thereby reinforcing their hiring or monitoring protocols. This extended insight aids in making informed decisions based on reliable data.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Chama, CO
Hair follicle tests drastically minimize the risks of sample adulteration. This method is noteworthy for its resistance to tampering, guaranteeing that the results presented are both reliable and incontestable. It ensures that the integrity of the testing process remains uncompromised, offering peace of mind to all stakeholders involved.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Chama, CO
The accessibility of our national and local testing centers ensures that individuals and companies in Chama, CO can easily access drug testing services. This widespread availability eliminates logistical hurdles, offering a seamless experience from appointment booking to obtaining results.
Simple, Confidential Process in Chama, CO
The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle drug test results is straightforward and private. Our commitment to confidentiality addresses any privacy concerns, ensuring that individuals and companies can engage with our services confidently.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Chama, CO
Offering competitive pricing and quick response times, our hair follicle testing services deliver significant value to organizations regardless of size. Our efficient processes ensure rapid results without sacrificing accuracy, providing peace of mind and confidence to all clients.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Chama, CO
Hair follicle drug tests offer outstanding precision and swiftness in substance detection. Their ability to identify various drugs with high accuracy makes them a preferred choice for those seeking dependable results. This method's rapid processing time ensures efficient decision-making, maintaining the standard of testing excellence.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Chama, CO
Utilizing hair follicle testing supports adherence to stringent drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal exposure and enhances workplace safety, granting employers confidence in their compliance with regulatory standards while promoting a secure working environment.
