Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair can offer a prolonged account of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. If gathered near the scalp, hair can present up to a three-month window of detection for alcohol and other substances. It is simple to collect hair samples, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches from around 200 strands of hair, comparable to the size of a #2 pencil and nearest to the scalp, yields about 100mg, which is the preferred amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional procedures, or tests exceeding 10-panel screening, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a comparable amount of body hair may be taken. When discussing head hair, we exclusively refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (i.e., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four critical stages in processing a drug test within a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a specimen in a laboratory's system. This step consists of ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any other data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening executes a preliminary quick assessment for substance use. Although Screening offers an economical method to eliminate drug presence in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Specimens that are presumptively positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
When a specimen appears positive at the Screening phase, more hair is retrieved from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug testing the most intricate process to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that appear positive are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair categorization and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently called "hair follicle tests", the analysis concentrates on the hair strand, not the under-skin follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Dacono, CO
Hair follicle testing provides superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to standard urine tests. In Dacono, CO, these tests are valued for their sensitivity in identifying drug use over an extended period, while urine tests are limited to shorter detection windows, making hair testing a more effective choice for employers and professionals.
Extended Detection Window in Dacono, CO
One of the primary advantages of hair follicle testing in Dacono is its ability to detect drug usage over an extended period of up to 90 days. This makes it an invaluable tool for employers seeking a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history, far surpassing the capabilities of other testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Dacono, CO
Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the potential for sample adulteration, ensuring reliable and unquestionable results in Dacono. Its rigorous collection process makes it a trusted method for employers and authorities, providing peace of mind that test results are accurate and unaffected by tampering.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Dacono, CO
Our vast network of testing centers, including local facilities in Dacono, provides convenient access to drug testing services. This ensures a quick, easy, and hassle-free testing process, whether for individuals or businesses needing prompt service across the nation.
Simple, Confidential Process in Dacono, CO
The process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle drug test results in Dacono is straightforward and confidential. This helps address privacy concerns and ensures ease of use, making it an ideal choice for those valuing discretion in their testing needs.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Dacono, CO
Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround for hair follicle testing in Dacono provide exceptional value, supporting companies of all sizes. These services ensure that businesses can maintain compliance and safety without breaking the budget.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Dacono, CO
Hair follicle drug tests in Dacono offer precision and speed, providing results that are both reliable and accurate in identifying substance use. Their accuracy surpasses that of traditional tests, ensuring that any substance consumed is effectively detected, which is crucial for maintaining a drug-free workplace environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Dacono, CO
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies in Dacono, reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety. Employers can rest assured that this method supports a secure and compliant working environment for all employees.