Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now considered an effective method for detecting substance use. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers as hair grows, hair offers a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug usage over time. When sampled near the scalp, hair can show substance consumption for up to about three months. Its collection is straightforward, making it tough to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands—about the girth of a #2 pencil—yields 100mg of hair, ideal for both initial tests and confirmations. For tests like EtG, expanded panels, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is preferred. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. If scalp hair is insufficient, an equivalent amount of body hair is an alternative. 'Head hair' specifically means scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses other types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
There are four key stages in lab analysis for drug testing: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts the process by inputting the sample into the lab's system. This includes ensuring the sample was sealed and sent correctly, generating a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completing extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a rapid assessment for drug presence. It is an economical method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, but a positive Screening result needs to be confirmed to hold up legally. Presumptively positive samples in Screening need further confirmation.
For samples presumed positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. At this point, drugs are extracted from the hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or saliva), marking hair drug screening as the most challenging method to carry out.
Confirmation of any positive Screening results is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation if required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is verified under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and conforms to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the procedure analyzes the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Comparatively speaking, hair follicle testing outmatches traditional urine tests in Cotopaxi, CO. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. This method expands the detection window significantly, offering a more comprehensive assessment of substance use. Unlike urine tests, hair tests are more challenging to cheat, enhancing trust in the results.
Featuring an extended detection window, hair follicle tests can trace drug use over a span of up to 90 days in Cotopaxi, CO. This long-term view allows employers to meticulously evaluate an individual's past substance use, making it indispensable in the hiring and monitoring of employees. The extended detection period provides a clearer picture of behavioral patterns.
In Cotopaxi, CO, hair follicle testing is considered a tamper-resistant testing method. By minimizing the risk of sample alteration, these tests deliver trustworthy results. The integrity of the process reduces doubts around potential cheating, making them a reliable choice for those seeking an unquestionable evaluation of substance use.
Offering convenient nationwide testing locations, including those in Cotopaxi, CO, we ensure seamless access to testing facilities. Our centers provide swift, straightforward services eliminating any hassle. This broad network not only facilitates local access but also streamlines the testing process nationwide, maintaining a high level of service availability.
In Cotopaxi, CO, the hair follicle testing procedure boasts a simple, confidential process. From ordering to obtaining results, the steps are designed to uphold privacy and user comfort. The straightforward method addresses concerns over data security, offering a user-friendly experience that prioritizes discretion.
Our service in Cotopaxi, CO highlights affordable pricing and fast turnaround. We ensure competitive rates without compromising quality, catering to businesses of all sizes. With rapid processing, clients benefit from both cost-efficiency and swift results, enhancing the value offered to local companies seeking reliable testing solutions.
The hair follicle test is renowned for delivering fast, accurate, and reliable results in Cotopaxi, CO. Its precision in detecting substance use is remarkable, ensuring employers get clear and trustworthy results promptly. With cutting-edge technology, this method identifies drug use with high confidence, providing peace of mind thanks to its thoroughness and speed.
Hair follicle testing guarantees compliance and peace of mind for employers in Cotopaxi, CO. By aligning with workplace drug-free policies, this method diminishes legal liabilities, promoting a safe and healthy work environment. Employers can confidently maintain adherence to regulations, knowing they are employing the most thorough testing techniques.
