Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drugs by holding onto markers within the fibers of the hair shaft as it grows. When harvested near to the scalp, hair can offer a detection window for alcohol and drugs up to around three months. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch lock comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for testing and verification. For EtG, extra tests, and/or screenings beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If head hair is not available, an equivalent sample of body hair may be taken. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key steps involved in the lab handling of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the basic initial handling of a sample within a lab's framework. This encompasses checking that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, giving it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary swift evaluation for illicit drugs. Although Screening serves as a cost-effective technique to rule out drug intake in the majority of samples, a positive Screening requires confirmation to be defensible in legal scenarios. Samples with presumed positives in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
In the event of a presumed positive during Screening, additional hair is gathered from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentration levels than with alternate techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the toughest methods to conduct.
Positive results from the Screening stage are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples with presumed positives undergo a wash before undergoing confirmation if needed. The full lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", this analysis examines the hair shaft and not the follicle under the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Cherry Creek, CO outperforms traditional urine tests through its superior detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection window, hair tests can uncover drug use over an extended period, offering a more comprehensive substance history.
The reliability of hair tests over urine ones is particularly beneficial where extensive drug use history is scrutinized. Employers and legal institutions favor it for its unmatched accuracy.
One of the primary advantages of hair follicle testing in Cherry Creek, CO is its extended detection window. Unlike urine tests that cover only recent drug use, hair tests span up to 90 days, offering a thorough assessment.
This makes hair testing invaluable for employers seeking a detailed insight into an individual’s drug use history, helping in informed decision-making and robust safety measures.
In Cherry Creek, CO, hair follicle tests are highly appreciated for their tamper-resistant nature. The collection of hair samples substantially lessens the likelihood of sample alteration or contamination.
This methodology delivers untainted, trustworthy results, giving employers and legal professionals confidence in the integrity of the testing outcome, an advantage over other methods.
Our testing services in Cherry Creek, CO are boosted by convenient nationwide locations. This network ensures easy access, minimal waiting times, and a smooth process for clients needing to undergo drug testing.
With local centers also available, the testing procedure becomes hassle-free, accommodating both individuals and organizations promptly and efficiently.
The simple and confidential nature of the hair follicle testing process in Cherry Creek, CO addresses privacy and ease concerns. Ordering, testing, and receiving results are straightforward, ensuring discretion at each step.
With an emphasis on maintaining confidentiality, participants can trust in the integrity and simplicity of the process, reducing stress and ensuring satisfaction.
In Cherry Creek, CO, our hair follicle testing boasts affordable pricing and quick turnaround. By maintaining competitive pricing structures, we ensure excellent value for companies of all sizes, enabling cost-effective solutions.
Fast results delivery further enhances our service appeal, allowing for efficient decision-making and continuity in operations without financial strain.
In Cherry Creek, CO, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed. High accuracy is a standout feature, ensuring reliable detection of substance use, thus making these tests indispensable for both employers and legal entities.
With the hair follicle method, results are produced rapidly, providing fast turnaround times. This reliability is crucial for efficient decision-making and maintaining safety, making them superior to other testing methods.
Employers in Cherry Creek, CO gain significant peace of mind from hair follicle testing’s compliance capabilities. By aligning with drug-free workplace policies, this method mitigates potential legal issues while fostering a safe environment.
Implementing such robust testing helps in upholding policy adherence and facilitates a safeguarded work setting, reducing legal and safety concerns.
