Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Estrella, CO

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective approach for recognizing substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of alcohol and other substances by entrapping biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When retrieved near the scalp, hair can offer approximately a three-month detection span for alcohol and various substances. Hair is effortless to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch section comprising around 200 strands of hair (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's recommended to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a similar amount of body hair can be obtained. When referencing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four principal stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This involves ensuring that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to rule out drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen must be verified to be court-admissible. Any samples that are preliminarily positive in Screening do require subsequent confirmation.

If a sample is preliminarily positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to carry out.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a briefer detection window.
• Hard to evade: Hair drug tests are very difficult to manipulate, leading to more accurate results.
• Supplies historical information: It can illustrate a pattern of drug usage over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect immediate use: It requires about 5-7 days for substances to be noticeable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically more costly than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can impact the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle tests to urine tests, the former proves more advantageous in Estrella, CO.

• Hair tests offer a broader detection scope.
• They boast heightened reliability.

This makes them ideal for environments requiring stringent screening practices.
The precision and depth of hair tests provide a comprehensive overview, showcasing their superiority.

Extended Detection Window

In Estrella, CO, one of the key benefits of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window.
This allows for an expansive evaluation of substance use habits.

• Detects drug usage dating back up to 90 days.
• Offers a long-term view of an individual's history.

Employers benefit by gaining insights into potential behavioral patterns, which aren't visible through shorter-term tests.

This extensive period of detection makes hair testing an invaluable tool for both employment and legal assessments.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing sets it apart in Estrella, CO.
Ensuring reliability and accuracy, it substantially lowers the risk of sample tampering, providing trustworthy results.

• Observed collection process for unmatched integrity.
• Enhanced confidence in the results obtained.

This testing method is an excellent choice for environments where test validity is paramount.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing ensures easy access to their services with conveniently located centers throughout Estrella, CO, and nationwide.
This accessibility is designed to streamline the testing process.

• Quick and hassle-free service at any location.
• Efficient coordination no matter where you are.

For those seeking reliable testing options, this wide network delivers unparalleled convenience.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Estrella, CO, the hair follicle testing process is both straightforward and discreet.
Privacy is paramount, and the procedure reflects this commitment.

• Simple steps for ordering, testing, and receiving results.
• Addresses concerns over confidentiality and user-friendliness.

Users can trust the process to be as smooth as it is secure, ensuring peace of mind.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

For businesses in Estrella, CO, affordability is matched with rapid results, with a focus on economical pricing structures.
Balancing cost and efficiency guarantees exceptional value for employers.

• Competitive pricing options available.
• Fast turnaround times ensure swift action and assessment.

This approach provides advantageous solutions for companies of different scales seeking effective drug testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Estrella, CO, hair follicle testing stands out for its swift and precise results.
The high accuracy of these tests ensures that employers and individuals receive dependable data on substance use.

• Efficiency in processing means prompt results.
• The accuracy rate minimizes false positives, offering peace of mind.

These qualities are particularly valued in workplaces that demand rigorous testing protocols, guaranteeing that the results are both quick and reliable.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Ensuring a drug-free workplace is crucial for businesses in Estrella, CO, and hair follicle testing plays a vital role in maintaining that standard. Compliance with workplace policies and reducing legal exposure are primary concerns.

• Supports a strong stance against substance abuse.
• Enhances workplace safety and trust.

Employers can rest easy knowing they’re adhering to policy requirements with this reliable method.

Drug Testing Near Estrella, CO

Estrella, CO