Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Colorado Springs, CO

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has gained recognition as a robust instrument for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug exposure, as it retains biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol presence for a timeframe of up to roughly 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.

A 1.5-inch sample containing around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken from the area closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. In cases where scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be gathered. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The drug test result laboratory process involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning constitutes the initial sample processing in a lab system. It includes verifying that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing extra data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient means to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Any presumptive positive samples in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.

If a sample reveals a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair from the initial sample is prepared for Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is among the most challenging methodologies.

Confirmation of any positive Screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing when necessary before confirmation. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests identify drug use for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests with a shorter detection period.
• Resistance to tampering: Cheating on a hair drug test is notably challenging, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Historical insights: Hair drug tests reveal patterns of drug usage over time, rather than only recent usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs than alternate drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Variables such as hair color, alongside individual differences in hair growth, can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand instead of the scalp-embedded hair follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Colorado Springs, hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine tests due to their superior detection accuracy and reliability. With a more extended detection window, hair testing provides clarity on substance use.

Employers who prioritize comprehensive substance assessments find hair follicle testing offers a robust solution. Consequently, this testing method stands as a top choice for organizations adhering to stringent drug policies.

• Longer detection period
• Higher reliability

Extended Detection Window

In Colorado Springs, hair follicle testing is instrumental because of its extended detection window that covers up to 90 days of drug use. Providing employers with detailed insights makes this method stand out.

This comprehensive approach enables businesses to make informed decisions based on a more thorough understanding of an individual’s substance use history. Consequently, companies can uphold higher workplace standards.

• 90-day detection window
• Comprehensive assessments

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Colorado Springs offers a tamper-resistant testing method that decreases the possibility of sample adulteration. This ensures results are reliable and unquestionable.

Such security measures in substance testing help employers to maintain integrity within their workforce. In industries where trust is paramount, having a foolproof method assures stable and secure employment environments.

• Reduced adulteration risk
• Secure and reliable results

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our nationwide network, including local centers in Colorado Springs, provides convenient testing locations for hassle-free services. Access to testing is straightforward and swift.

Employers and individuals alike enjoy the accessibility, which significantly reduces waiting times, making the process stress-free. Consequently, these centers strengthen the overall efficiency of drug testing procedures.

• Nationwide and local access
• Streamlined services

Simple, Confidential Process

In Colorado Springs, the hair follicle testing process stands out for its simple, confidential execution. Every step is designed to protect privacy while ensuring ease for users.
From order to results delivery, confidentiality is preserved to instill trust in our services.

Participants can complete their tests efficiently, assured of their information's security. This fosters a respectful relationship between testing providers and clients.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Colorado Springs enjoys the benefit of affordable pricing and fast turnaround on hair follicle testing. Competitive pricing models align well with businesses of all sizes.

Combined with quick result delivery, businesses leverage these services for cost-efficient, timely insights into employee substance history. This balance aids in resource management and maintains budget-friendly operations.

• Affordable testing rates
• Rapid result processing

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Colorado Springs, the key benefits of hair follicle drug tests lie in their ability to deliver fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests boast high precision in detecting substance use.

The rapidity of acquiring results allows employers to make informed decisions promptly. In the fast-paced environment of today's workplace, this speed ensures minimal disruption to business operations, enhancing productivity and peace of mind.

• Speed in results
• High accuracy

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Utilizing hair follicle testing in Colorado Springs ensures compliance and peace of mind for employers enforcing drug-free workplace policies. This minimizes legal risks while promoting safety.

With strengthening workplace protocols, the testing method contributes significantly toward building a committed and reliable workforce. Additionally, organizations benefit from streamlined compliance with regulatory standards.

• Ensures policy compliance
• Reduces legal risks

Drug Testing Near Colorado Springs, CO

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