Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying substance use. Hair offers a long historical record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected close to the scalp, hair samples can offer up to a three-month timeline for detecting alcohol and drugs. It's easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising about 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil thickness) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. Using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample is advisable. If scalp hair cannot be collected, an equal quantity of body hair may be obtained. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is entered into a lab’s system. This includes confirming that the sample was securely sealed and correctly shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for drug presence. While Screening is cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified for legal admissibility. Presumptive positive samples in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
If a Screening test indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is culled from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is overseen under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing Hair testing shows superior detection over urine tests in Coaldale, CO. Its accuracy and extended detection periods highlight the advantages over traditional methods.
Extended Detection Window One of the prime benefits of hair follicle testing in Coaldale, CO is its extended detection period, which can outline drug use history for up to 90 days. This feature allows employers to gain a comprehensive perspective of substance use patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method Hair follicle testing is recognized for its resilience against tampering, providing trustworthy and unambiguous results. This aspect makes it a reliable method for ensuring sample integrity in Coaldale, CO.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations In Coaldale, CO, our extensive network of testing centers simplifies access to drug testing services. This convenience is critical for individuals and organizations seeking swift, straightforward testing.
Simple, Confidential Process Our hair follicle testing in Coaldale, CO is streamlined to emphasize ease and confidentiality. The process of requesting, undertaking, and receiving results is designed to protect privacy while ensuring simplicity.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround Our competitive pricing structures in Coaldale, CO are paired with a quick turnaround, offering excellent value to companies of various sizes. The affordability and speed of our services ensure that expectations are met efficiently.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results Hair follicle drug tests provide exceptional accuracy in detecting substance use, making them a preferred choice in Coaldale, CO. This method not only guarantees fast results but also ensures that the information is reliable, allowing organizations to make informed decisions swiftly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers Utilizing hair follicle testing in Coaldale, CO helps maintain drug-free workspaces and ensures adherence to workplace policies. This testing reduces legal liabilities and boosts workplace safety.