Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust means for detecting drugs and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-standing history of drug and alcohol intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month detection period for both alcohol and other substances. It's straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A section of hair measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For tests involving EtG, additional panels, or more than 10-panel screenings, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Using a jeweler's scale is advisable for weighing the specimen. Should scalp hair be inadequate, a similar quantity of body hair may be collected. The term "head hair" pertains exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other types (face, underarms, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory procedure consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of initially encoding a sample into a laboratory's framework. It entails verifying that the sample is appropriately sealed and dispatched, allotting a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and conducting any outstanding data entry not facilitated by an electronic custodial system.
Screening involves a preliminary, expedient evaluation for drug existence. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage for most samples, any positive screen must be validated to be legally acceptable. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial batch and undergoes preparation for Extraction. This step involves obtaining drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other procedures (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug testing among the most challenging methodologies to conduct.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to Confirmation if required. The end-to-end laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accredited per ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Drawbacks:
Note: While termed as "hair follicle tests," the assessment is performed on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in El Jebel, CO
Hair testing offers clear advantages over urine testing with its superior accuracy and reliability. While traditional urine tests cover a shorter detection timeframe, hair testing provides a comprehensive substance use view over an extended period. This makes it an ideal choice for employers and agencies seeking in-depth insights into an individual's drug history.
Extended Detection Window in El Jebel, CO
Hair follicle testing grants employers the powerful ability to detect drug use over a period of up to 90 days. This extensive detection window allows for a thorough evaluation of a candidate or employee's substance use history, granting employers in El Jebel, CO, a complete perspective on potential hires or current staff, unlike shorter duration tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in El Jebel, CO
Hair follicle testing is highly resistant to tampering, providing a testing process that ensures reliable and doubt-free outcomes. In El Jebel, CO, this method significantly minimizes the chances of sample adulteration, reinforcing confidence in the test results' integrity and preventing any attempts to manipulate the outcome.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in El Jebel, CO
Access to hair follicle testing is made straightforward with our widespread testing locations across the nation, including El Jebel, CO. This network ensures that testing services are quick, accessible, and convenient, accommodating the needs of clients locally and nationwide for hassle-free service.
Simple, Confidential Process in El Jebel, CO
Our hair follicle testing in El Jebel, CO, is designed with simplicity and confidentiality in mind. The process—from ordering to taking the test and receiving results—is straightforward and protects personal privacy. We address any privacy concerns and ensure the process is seamless for all participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in El Jebel, CO
We offer competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, making our hair follicle testing services in El Jebel, CO, both cost-effective and efficient. Our pricing structures are designed to provide excellent value to companies of all sizes, ensuring peace of mind through affordability and rapid service delivery.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in El Jebel, CO
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and efficiency in delivering rapid results. These tests offer unparalleled accuracy when it comes to identifying substance usage. In El Jebel, CO, this method is favored for its ability to quickly and decisively confirm or rule out the presence of drugs, providing credible and dependable outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in El Jebel, CO
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers in El Jebel, CO, to comply with strict drug-free workplace regulations. This testing method reduces legal liabilities and enhances the safety of the work environment, offering peace of mind by assuring adherence to policies and maintaining a secure and risk-free workplace.
