Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair preserves a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the strand. When taken near the scalp, it offers a detection period extending up to approximately three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to obtain, less susceptible to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch lock consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg, the optimum quantity for examination and confirmation. For EtG enhancements and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is preferable. We suggest employing a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable quantity of body hair might be used. Head hair strictly refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage, wherein a sample is introduced into the lab's system. This entails confirming that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any auxiliary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening efficiently excludes drug use in most samples, a positive finding necessitates further confirmation for legal credibility. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
In the event of a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation is accomplished via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS for any positive screening outcomes. Presumptive positive samples are washed prior to confirmation if required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in De Beque, CO
The advantages of hair follicle testing over urine tests are clear. Unlike the limited detection timeline of urine tests, hair tests offer a much longer detection period, reaching up to 90 days. This advantage makes them more reliable for comprehensive substance history assessments, ensuring that any substance use is accurately identified.
Extended Detection Window in De Beque, CO
Hair follicle testing stands out with its extended detection period, which spans up to 90 days. This extensive timeline allows employers and other professionals to gain a fuller insight into an individual's substance use patterns, providing a more comprehensive picture of their drug use history when compared to other testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in De Beque, CO
Hair follicle tests offer substantial resistance to tampering, significantly limiting the chances of sample adulteration. This makes them a reliable choice for accurate drug testing, as they provide unquestionable results, ensuring that the integrity of the test is maintained from collection to analysis.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in De Beque, CO
The widespread availability of testing centers ensures convenient and hassle-free access to drug testing services across the nation, including in De Beque. With a network extending nationwide, obtaining a hair follicle test is both easy and quick, supporting seamless service access for all testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in De Beque, CO
The process of ordering, performing, and obtaining results from a hair follicle test is straightforward and confidential. This ensures privacy and simplicity from start to finish, addressing any concerns regarding the confidentiality and ease of use, thereby enhancing the overall testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in De Beque, CO
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing accessible for businesses of any size in De Beque. This affordability coupled with rapid results ensures exceptional value, allowing companies to implement reliable testing solutions without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in De Beque, CO
Hair follicle drug tests deliver rapid and precise results, making them an ideal choice in De Beque. Their superior accuracy in detecting substance use ensures reliability, allowing individuals, employers, and authorities to trust the findings confidently. This speed and precision make hair testing a valuable tool for detecting recent and past drug use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in De Beque, CO
Implementing hair follicle testing can help employers in De Beque maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method minimizes legal liabilities and promotes a safe and secure workplace environment, offering employers peace of mind and effective risk management.
