Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become a widely accepted method for identifying alcohol and drug usage. Hair strands encapsulate biomarkers within their growing fibers, providing an extended history of substance use. By collecting hair near the scalp, a detection span of approximately three months for alcohol and drugs is feasible. The collection process is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the preferred sample amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, enhancements, or tests surpassing 10 panels, a recommendation of 150mg of specimen is advised. Utilizing a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a similar body hair quantity should be collected. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" pertains to other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the laboratory analysis for a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab's database. This step verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any data entry not already supplied by an electronic chain of custody setup.
Screening functions as an initial swift evaluation for substances. While it offers a budget-friendly method to dismiss drug use in most cases, a positive screen mandates confirmation for judicial acceptance. Samples exhibiting presumptive positivity during this stage must undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample register presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the preliminary specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Validation of any positive screening outcome occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples showing presumptive positivity are thoroughly cleansed. Every step, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny in line with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis involves the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Edler, CO, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing through its superior accuracy and dependability. Hair tests can detect a broader range of substances over an extended period, offering clarity where urine tests might fall short. This precision is vital for making informed decisions in workplace settings.
Hair follicle testing, with its extensive detection window of up to 90 days in Edler, CO, provides Employers with a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance use history. This method excels in offering a complete picture for an extended period compared to traditional testing techniques.
In Edler, CO, hair follicle tests offer an enhanced level of security and reliability. Their less tamper-prone nature compared to other methods ensures that the results reflect an accurate and honest depiction of substance use, effectively thwarting attempts at sample adulteration.
With convenient testing facilities available both nationwide and locally in Edler, CO, accessing hair follicle testing is easy and efficient. This widespread network guarantees that conducting tests is both straightforward and stress-free for Employers and individuals alike.
The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests in Edler, CO, is straightforward and ensures confidentiality. Navigating the system is user-friendly, addressing both privacy concerns and the desire for a hassle-free experience.
In Edler, CO, our hair follicle tests offer competitive pricing and swift result turnaround times. Companies of all sizes benefit from the exceptional value provided, ensuring that Employers can access high-quality testing methods without straining budgets.
The precision and rapidity of hair follicle drug tests in Edler, CO, make them an attractive option for those needing quick and reliable results. Their ability to accurately identify substances is unrivaled, ensuring Employers gain comprehensive insights into potential hires or current employees' drug histories.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Edler, CO, supports Employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, thus enhancing safety and reducing potential legal ramifications. By ensuring compliance, Employers are granted peace of mind and uphold a secure work environment.