Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Clifton, CO

What it is, How it works

Recognized as an efficient method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing offers a historical insight by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. Collected near the scalp, these strands can reflect drug and alcohol use for a span of up to three months. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and transportation is effortless.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hairs (comparable in width to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, ideal for thorough analysis. For a detailed inspection that includes EtG, additional panels, or beyond 10-panel tests, 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be insufficient, an equivalent sample of body hair is acceptable. When specifying head hair, it pertains to scalp hair only, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory sequence for processing drug test results involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initiation of sample processing into a lab system. This step ensures the sample's seal and shipment integrity, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

In Screening, a preliminary examination for drug presence is conducted. Although cost-effective and suitable for negating drug usage in most samples, a confirmed positive result is essential for legal applicability. Samples that indicate a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.

Should a sample show a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair from the original sample undergoes preparation for Extraction. Here, drugs are separated from hair at notably lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.

Confirmation of positive screen results is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation, as needed. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as accredited with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection duration: Hair drug tests can reveal drug consumption for up to 90 days, surpassing the shorter detection duration of urine tests.
• Hard to falsify: It's notably challenging to deceive a hair drug test, enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers historical insights: The test outlines a drug usage pattern over a period, covering more than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect immediate use: It requires around 5-7 days for drugs to manifest within hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to cost more than other drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Aspects like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand, rather than the sub-scalp hair follicle

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Clifton, CO

• Hair tests offer superior accuracy and a wider detection window compared to urine tests.
• Provide dependable results employers can trust for making informed decisions.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Clifton, CO

• Offers up to a 90-day detection span, giving a comprehensive view of drug use history.
• Ideal for employers needing a long-term perspective on employee substance habits.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Clifton, CO

• Hair testing greatly minimizes the chance of sample tampering.
• Ensures results are credible and difficult to manipulate.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Clifton, CO

• With centers nationwide, access to testing services is hassle-free and efficient.
• Local availability ensures swift and easy test administration.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Clifton, CO

• Ordering, conducting, and retrieving test results is straightforward and secure.
• Emphasizes privacy and ease of use for all participants.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Clifton, CO

• Competitive pricing makes this service accessible for businesses of any size.
• Quick processing times mean results are delivered promptly, providing value.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Clifton, CO

• Hair follicle tests deliver swift outcomes that are highly dependable for substance detection.
• Ensures precise identification of drug use, making it the go-to option for many.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Clifton, CO

• Using hair follicle tests supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies.
• Reduces legal risks and upholds safety in the work environment.

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