Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Seen as an effective means for detecting substance use, hair testing is valued for its ability to provide a comprehensive historical record of drug and alcohol usage by securing biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers. When obtained near the scalp, a hair sample can reveal up to about a 3-month history of alcohol and drug use. Collection of hair is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or testing beyond 10 substances, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, a proportional amount of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the lab process of producing a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the stage where a sample is initially processed into a laboratory system. This step includes verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial swift assessment for substance abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient strategy to dismiss drug use in most samples, a confirmed positive reading is required for court admissibility. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
Should the Screening phase result in a presumptive positive, additional hair from the original sample is extracted for the Extraction process. During Extraction, drugs are withdrawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations in comparison to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging procedure to execute.
Confirming any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples deemed presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually targets the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing in Cowdrey, CO due to its superior detection capabilities. Hair tests provide a reliable method of identifying drug use over an extended period. In contrast, urine tests have a shorter detection window and are more susceptible to tampering. Hair analysis delivers higher accuracy, making it the preferred choice for organizations enforcing strict no-drug policies.
The extended detection window with hair follicle testing provides a comprehensive overview of substance use history, spanning up to 90 days. In Cowdrey, CO, this method allows employers to evaluate a candidate or employee's history thoroughly, making informed decisions based on sustained drug use rather than temporary lapses detected by shorter-span tests like urine analysis.
Hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant method that significantly curtails the risk of sample adulteration in Cowdrey, CO. This intricate process ensures accurate and trustworthy results. With observed collection and scientifically proven methodologies, hair testing stands as a formidable barrier against deceit, granting peace of mind through reliable evidence of substance use.
Our nationwide network, including local centers in Cowdrey, CO, delivers hassle-free access to testing services. Conveniently positioned across the country, our facilities are designed to streamline the testing process. Whether local or far-reaching, you can count on our testing centers to offer quick and easy services, ensuring you receive timely results without any inconvenience.
In Cowdrey, CO, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is streamlined to ensure privacy and ease of use for all clients. Our procedures are designed to address concerns about confidentiality, ensuring a smooth experience from the moment you order to when you receive your precise results.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our services in Cowdrey, CO, provide excellent value. Companies of various sizes benefit from our cost-effective testing solutions, which guarantee rapid results. By combining affordability with efficiency, we ensure quality and peace of mind, making us the trusted choice for timely and budget-conscious drug testing services.
The accuracy and speed of hair follicle drug tests make them valuable in Cowdrey, CO. These tests efficiently detect substance use, ensuring that individuals who consume drugs are identified effectively. Hair tests offer results quickly, providing the precision needed to maintain safety standards. The ability to pinpoint substance misuse with confidence further enhances their appeal.
Hair follicle testing fosters compliance with drug-free workplace standards in Cowdrey, CO. It protects businesses from potential legal pits while enhancing safety. Employers gain peace of mind knowing their workforce adheres to policies, reducing liabilities. This proactive approach not only safeguards the company but also cultivates a secure working environment for everyone involved.
