Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-term record of substances by encasing biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When clipped near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for up to three months. Hair is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we are referring strictly to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The primary steps in lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system, which includes ensuring that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data not covered by an electronic custody chain.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drug presence. Although cost-effective for eliminating drug use suspicions in most samples, a positive screening must be verified for court acceptance. Samples testing positive in Screening require a further confirmation step.
If Screening suggests a sample is positive, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. This phase extracts drugs from hair at much lower levels than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is a complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo a washing process prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is managed in accordance with CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation standards and the accreditation of ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Dupont, CO
Extended Detection Window in Dupont, CO
The capability of hair follicle testing to detect drug use for up to 90 days is unparalleled. This extended detection window gives employers in Dupont, CO a thorough view of a candidate or employee's drug history, allowing for more informed decision-making. It surpasses shorter detection periods of other testing methods.
For many organizations, assessing long-term substance use is crucial. Hair testing’s extended window provides a comprehensive narrative of individual substance usage, contrasting sharply with conventional tests often limited to detecting more recent usage.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Dupont, CO
Hair follicle tests remarkably reduce the possibilities of adulteration, providing results that are reliable and difficult to dispute. In Dupont, CO, these tests are recognized for deterring fraud, ensuring that the samples received accurately reflect the test subject’s true substance history.
The methodology employed during hair testing substantially decreases the risk of manipulation. Due to observed collections and minimal handling opportunities, the results remain consistent and precise, mitigating concerns about tampered samples and enhancing test integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Dupont, CO
Testing with us means opting for a streamlined, accessible process, where convenience is prioritized by providing comprehensive service delivery both locally and across the nation.
Simple, Confidential Process in Dupont, CO
Ease of use is central to our operations. By simplifying the interactions at each phase of testing, individuals are assured a seamless experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Dupont, CO
Our competitive pricing paired with swift turnaround times provides outstanding value to businesses of any scale. In Dupont, CO, cost-effectiveness is matched with speed, ensuring timely results are achieved without elevated costs or delays.
The dual offering of affordability with reliability makes our hair follicle tests a preferred solution for organizations prioritizing budget-conscious and efficient testing alternatives.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Dupont, CO
Hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and speed. In Dupont, CO, these tests deliver high accuracy in detecting various substances. Results are both swift and reliable, providing clear insights into an individual's substance use history, making them a trusted choice among many options available today.
The testing procedure is streamlined yet thorough, ensuring that results can be delivered promptly without compromising on accuracy. This efficiency makes it an ideal option for both employers seeking comprehensive testing solutions and individuals needing clear and dependable results quickly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Dupont, CO
Adopting hair follicle testing ensures adherence with workplace drug-free regulations, offering employers in Dupont, CO significant peace of mind. By minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety, these tests support a secure and productive work environment.
For companies, upholding drug-free workplace standards is crucial. Hair testing compliance aids in safeguarding against potential liabilities and maintains a steady reassurance that all employees meet established substance policies.