Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Creede, CO

What it is, How it works

Utilizing hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of substance intake by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair tests can reveal a usage history spanning up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair samples are easy to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

A sample size measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields the perfect 100mg sample for screening and verification. For EtG add-ons or tests exceeding 10 panels, it’s preferable to collect 150mg. We advise utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a corresponding quantity of body hair can be taken. When referring to head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types like facial or axillary.

Process Overview

The primary stages in processing a drug test result in a laboratory setting include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves entering a sample into a laboratory system initially. This process includes ensuring the sample was both sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data input not available via an electronic chain of custody.

Screening provides an initial assessment for illicit substances. Although cost-efficient, a positive outcome in Screening necessitates further confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Samples indicating a presumptive positive result in Screening need secondary verification.

A presumptive positive sample from Screening prompts the extraction of more hair from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, substances are pulled from hair at a considerably lower concentration than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screenings notably challenging.

Confirmation of positive Screening results utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo a wash prior to Confirmation as required. The entire process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is evaluated according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair regulations and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards for accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have shorter detection periods.
• Harder to circumvent: Cheating a hair drug test is challenging, enhancing the credibility of results.
• Historical insights: It provides an account of drug consumption patterns rather than singular, recent use snapshots.

Limitations:

• No immediate use detection: Drugs do not manifest in hair tests until about 5-7 days post-use.
• Expense: Hair drug testing is typically pricier than other methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and personal hair growth differences can impact drug metabolite concentration in hair samples.

Note: Despite the term "hair follicle tests," this assessment analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Creede, CO

In Creede, CO, the advantages of hair testing over traditional urine tests are numerous. Hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability, allowing for a broader window of substance use analysis. This method surpasses urine tests by eliminating short detection limitations and minimizing errors, making it invaluable for comprehensive drug screening.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Creede, CO

Hair follicle testing in Creede delivers an extended detection window, identifying drug usage up to 90 days prior. This long-range analysis offers employers an in-depth perspective of an individual's substance use, which is critical for making informed decisions regarding hiring and maintaining a drug-free workplace.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Creede, CO

Hair follicle drug tests significantly diminish the risk of sample tampering, providing results that are not only reliable but indisputable. By utilizing this method, entities in Creede can confidently rely on the integrity of the results to ensure compliance and true substance use evaluation.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Creede, CO

Our expansive network of testing centers, including those local to Creede, ensures swift and stress-free access to hair follicle testing services. This vast reach means that testing is both convenient and readily available, regardless of the client's location, facilitating easy compliance and peace of mind.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Creede, CO

The process for initiating, conducting, and receiving hair follicle testing results in Creede is both simple and confidential. Addressing privacy concerns, this streamlined approach ensures that all individuals and businesses receive accurate information without the hassle, maintaining integrity and ease of use.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Creede, CO

Offering competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, hair follicle testing services in Creede deliver exceptional value for businesses of any size. This cost-effective solution provides fast and dependable results, ensuring companies remain informed and assured without breaking the bank.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Creede, CO

Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and quick turnaround, providing exceptionally accurate results for substance use analysis. The expertise in Creede ensures that these tests are not only fast but also reliable, making them a preferred choice for those requiring definitive drug use evaluations.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Creede, CO

Employing hair follicle testing in Creede ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, which is vital for minimizing legal liabilities and enhancing overall safety. This testing method provides employers peace of mind, knowing that their drug screening processes are both compliant and effective.

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