Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a historical record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer an approximately 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. It is easy to collect, somewhat hard to tamper with, and straightforward to ship.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 strands of hair (roughly comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, an optimal sample size for initial examination and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screenings more extensive than 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It is advisable to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, a similar quantity of body hair could be gathered. By scalp hair, we mean hair from the scalp only. Body hair encompasses all other types (beard, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab processing of a drug testing result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning incorporates the first steps of entering a sample into the lab's system. This step confirms the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any needed data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is an economical way to eliminate drug use in the majority of cases, any positive result requires confirmation to be upheld in legal settings. Samples that show a presumptive positive during Screening need secondary verification.
If the Screening phase indicates a presumptive positive result, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction step. In this segment, drugs are derived from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other approaches (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening more challenging to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positive specimens are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair parameters and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Pros of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the skin.
Why choose hair follicle testing over urine testing in Copper Mountain, CO? Hair testing boasts superior detection accuracy and enhanced reliability compared to traditional urine tests. It captures a longer history of substance use, which urine tests may miss, providing a more comprehensive and dependable assessment for both employers and individuals.
In Copper Mountain, CO, hair follicle testing is notable for its extended detection window, as it can track drug use up to 90 days prior. This feature provides employers with valuable insights into a potential hire’s drug history, aiding in informed decision-making and fostering workplace safety.
Hair follicle testing in Copper Mountain, CO stands out due to its tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing the risk of adulteration. This ensures that the results are integrity-rich and trustworthy, giving employers peace of mind and confidence in the testing process.
With testing centers distributed nationwide and local facilities in Copper Mountain, CO, accessing hair follicle testing services is convenient and hassle-free. Our widespread locations ensure quick and efficient service, making the testing process smooth for everyone involved.
In Copper Mountain, CO, our hair testing process is simple and confidential, from ordering to taking the test and receiving results. We prioritize privacy, ensuring that individuals feel secure and comfortable throughout the process, with their data handled discreetly.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Copper Mountain, CO, our hair follicle drug tests provide exceptional value. We cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring that everyone can benefit from efficient and cost-effective testing solutions.
Hair follicle testing delivers fast, accurate, and reliable results in Copper Mountain, CO. This method’s pinpoint precision in detecting substance use is unmatched, ensuring that the outcome reflects true results. The speed and accuracy of hair testing make it a preferred choice for those seeking definitive and prompt answers.
For employers in Copper Mountain, CO, using hair follicle tests helps maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal troubles. It not only reinforces workplace safety but also brings peace of mind, knowing that the work environment is safe and compliant.
