Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol usage. Hair acts as a long-term archival system for alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide a detection window of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in laboratory drug testing processing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a lab’s system. This phase involves confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary swift test for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-effective method to eliminate drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive result must be confirmed for court admissibility. Any samples presumed positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is presumably positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are drawn out of hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most complex methodology.
Any positive screening result undergoes Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the examination targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests in Federal Heights, CO is evident. The accuracy and reliability of hair testing offer superior detection capabilities. Unlike traditional urine tests, which capture a shorter drug history, hair follicle testing provides a comprehensive view over months, ensuring a true reflection of an individual's substance habits, thereby aiding employers in making more informed rulings.
Extended Detection Window in Federal Heights, CO offers a significant advantage. Hair follicle tests can detect drug use up to 90 days prior, providing employers with a panoramic view of a candidate or employee's substance use history. This extensive coverage is critical for roles requiring rigorous safety and sobriety standards, offering employers the insight they need to maintain a drug-free environment.
Choosing hair follicle tests in Federal Heights, CO reduces tampering risks significantly. Unlike other methods, hair testing is nearly impossible to adulterate, ensuring results are both reliable and unquestionable. This robustness makes them a preferred choice for sensitive and high-stakes environments where accuracy is paramount and tamper-proof results are non-negotiable.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations are accessible, including in Federal Heights, CO. Our centers provide easy and hassle-free access to testing services across the country, ensuring that anyone, anywhere can receive swift and efficient tests without the difficulties of long-distance travel or logistical obstacles.
Simple, Confidential Process in Federal Heights, CO ensures privacy and user-friendliness. From ordering tests to receiving results, the system prioritizes confidentiality. The straightforward procedure allays concerns about privacy and data security, creating a comfortable experience for those undergoing the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Federal Heights, CO an attractive option. We offer competitive pricing structures that provide excellent value for companies of all sizes. Coupled with quick results, businesses benefit from timely insights while managing costs effectively.
In Federal Heights, CO, precision and swiftness define hair follicle drug tests. Hair follicle testing stands out for its superior accuracy in detecting drug use. With rapid and reliable results, these tests are instrumental in providing detailed insights into substance use patterns. Their reliability ensures employers and institutions receive trustworthy information, facilitating informed decisions.
Compliance and peace of mind for employers in Federal Heights, CO are achieved through hair follicle testing. By adhering to workplace drug-free policies, this method reduces legal risks and enhances safety. Employers benefit from a reliable drug-testing protocol that supports a secure work environment, encouraging productivity and compliance.
