Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is a potent method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a long-term record of the ingestion of alcohol and substances by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When procured from near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of roughly three months for both alcohol and substances. The collection of hair is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing approximately 200 strands resembles the width of a #2 pencil and provides 100mg of hair, which is considered the optimal amount for screening and validation. For EtG, supplementary analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's encouraged to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair. All other hair types (like facial or axillary) are classified as body hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of initially processing a sample into the lab’s ecosystem. This step includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for the presence of drug abuse. Screening efficiently excludes drug usage in most samples; however, any positive findings require confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity at the Screening phase, more hair is drawn from the initial sample for preparation in Extraction. In this stage, substances are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of positive Screening findings is performed using either GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positivity are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory procedure, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in East Portal, CO is evident in the detection capabilities. Hair testing offers superior accuracy and reliability when compared with traditional urine tests. With its extended detection period, hair tests can provide a comprehensive substance use history, which is crucial for making informed decisions in various settings.
Extended Detection Window is a significant advantage of hair follicle testing in East Portal, CO. These tests can reveal drug usage over a period of up to 90 days. This provides employers with a detailed view of an individual’s substance history, helping them make informed decisions about hiring and maintaining a safe workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method offered by hair follicle tests ensures that samples remain unaltered, providing reliable results in East Portal, CO. The nature of this testing method makes it difficult to adulterate, ensuring the authenticity of the results, which employers and legal systems can trust.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations ensure easy access to drug testing services in East Portal, CO. With accredited centers spread across the nation, scheduling and conducting a test is quick and hassle-free, supporting both local and national needs efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process is at the heart of our testing services in East Portal, CO. Ordering, taking, and receiving test results is straightforward and discreet, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring a smooth experience for all users. This approach boosts user confidence in our services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround make hair follicle testing an attractive choice in East Portal, CO. Competitive pricing models coupled with rapid results delivery offer exceptional value, catering to companies of all sizes seeking efficient and cost-effective testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in East Portal, CO are what set hair follicle drug tests apart. These tests are known for their impressive accuracy in detecting substance use. With quick processing times, individuals and employers can rely on this method for timely and precise evaluations, ensuring decisions are made based on dependable data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in East Portal, CO are assured with hair follicle testing. This method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety. Employers can be confident in maintaining a compliant and secure work environment with these reliable tests.
