Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Fenders, CO

What it is, How it works

Hair tests have emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair offers an extensive history of substances by capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the hair as it grows. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can reveal a detection window of up to approximately three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to send.

A 1.5-inch portion consisting of about 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) from the scalp area is ideal, yielding 100mg of hair, suitable for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or 10-panels and above, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest utilizing a jeweler's scale for weighting the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The drug test result processing in the lab involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the initial processing of samples within the lab's system, checking if the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any leftover data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening carries out an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Though Screening offers a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is required for court admissibility. Any samples suspected to be positive in the Screening are subjected to further confirmation.

For presumptive positive results during Screening, additional hair from the sample is prepared for Extraction. This stage focuses on drug extraction from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening an intricate methodology.

Confirmation of positive results from the screening is through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation where necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is scrutinized according to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a narrower detection window.
• Hard to deceive: Deceiving a hair drug test is very challenging, enhancing the result’s accuracy.
• Offers historical insight: It can show a drug use pattern over time, not merely recent use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally cost more than other testing techniques.
• Variability in results: Factors like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle located beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Fenders, CO, hair follicle tests offer clear advantages over urine tests. Precision and a longer detection window grant these tests an edge when thorough substance use analysis is required. Hair testing reveals drug activity up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which showcase a shorter detection span, proving their superiority for enterprise and institutional policy compliance.

Reliability is another hallmark of hair follicle testing, capturing a comprehensive drug use history. This method excels in defeating common circumvention techniques typical with urine tests, such as dilution or substitution, thereby protecting test integrity and ensuring dependable results.

Extended Detection Window

In Fenders, CO, hair follicle testing's hallmark is its extensive detection range. Covering up to 90 days, this method spots drug activity more comprehensively than other tests. Employers benefit from an accurate, deep dive into an individual’s substance usage history, allowing better-informed decisions.

This prolonged detection window grants superior insight. By examining hair samples, traces of substance use are revealed over an extended duration, unlike the brief snapshot urine tests provide. This extended detection supports workplace safety and compliance protocols more effectively.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Fenders, CO, is lauded for its resistance to tampering. Its stringent collection process minimizes the possibility of sample alteration, ensuring authenticity in results. This adaptability is a determining factor for employers requiring robust drug screening methods.

Due to the stringent nature of hair testing, attempts to alter or adulterate samples are largely unsuccessful. The structure of hair makes it incredibly challenging to affect results compared to urine tests, reinforcing trust in the process and the results provided.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Fenders, CO, the accessibility of Accredited Drug Testing’s nationwide centers provides unrivaled convenience. Testing is available throughout the U.S., making the process swift and hassle-free. Locales in Fenders contribute to a seamless experience, ensuring clients can easily engage with testing services.

This network of testing sites makes for a convenient option, allowing individuals and employers quick access to services. The widespread availability means testing needs can be met without delay, contributing to efficient, timely results every time.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Fenders, CO, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. A seamless, private process ensures participants can engage easily with screening services. From ordering to delivery, confidentiality is a priority, supporting peace of mind.

With our user-friendly approach, focusing on client privacy and precision, test takers can assure their personal data remains secure. The straightforward nature of the process eliminates needless complexity while upholding the highest standards of privacy.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Fenders, CO, offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround in hair follicle testing. Our client-centric focus ensures testing is accessible to businesses of all sizes, bringing unrivaled value without compromising quality.

The balance of affordability and expediency provides an exceptional economic advantage, reflecting Accredited Drug Testing’s commitment to delivering superior services promptly, tailored to company needs and maximizing cost efficiency.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Fenders, CO, hair follicle drug testing is praised for its accuracy and swiftness. This method quickly provides precise results, crucial for making informed decisions. Unlike other tests, it effectively pinpoints substance use, ensuring reliability and dependability. Fast outcomes aid employers and individuals in maintaining a safe environment, with results promptly delivered.

The speed of hair follicle tests in Fenders is unparalleled, enabling rapid progression through testing and analysis stages. Whether used to screen candidates or monitor ongoing compliance, this testing offers the precision needed to ensure a drug-free environment, supported by thorough result assessments.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Fenders, CO, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, enhancing adherence to drug-free workplace policies. By choosing this testing, companies reduce legal risks and amplify the security of their work environments, thanks to its reliable detection capabilities.

The compliance offered by hair testing ensures trustworthiness in critical scenarios, reinforcing company politics and standards. This reliability goes hand in hand with safety and legal adherence, upholding a secure and productive business atmosphere.

Drug Testing Near Fenders, CO

Columbine, CO

Kittredge, CO

Evergreen, CO

Central Jefferson, CO

Idledale, CO

South Jefferson, CO

Ken Caryl, CO

Conifer, CO

Morrison, CO

Dakota Ridge, CO

Herzman Mesa, CO

Marshdale, CO

Stanley Park, CO

Aspen Park, CO

Indian Hills, CO

What's New In Hair Follicle Drug Testing according to the Hair Drug Testing Experts

With its multidisciplinary nature, hair testing brings together researchers, scientists, and experts from various domains to develop innovative techniques, explore new methodologies, and address emerging concerns, responding to the ever-evolving challenges of drug abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring, and environmental exposures to pollutants.

The joint meeting of the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) and the Italian Group of Forensic Toxicologists (GTFI) was organized in Verona, June 8–10, 2022, and hosted by the Legal Medicine team of the Verona University Hospital, directed by Franco Tagliaro together with Federica Bortolotti and Rossella Gottardo.

It served as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, facilitating groundbreaking advancements in hair testing and analysis. In this special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, we aim to showcase the remarkable manuscripts presented at this significant event, shedding light on the latest research and highlighting the future directions in this field.

Novel Analytical Techniques: The Verona meeting witnessed the unveiling of cutting-edge analytical techniques, offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy for drug testing. Remarkable advancements in sample preparation, detection, and identification of drug compounds have been presented. The manuscripts in this section presented novel approaches, such as multianalyte methods and on-line preparation which can enable rapid analysis and improve thorough forensic investigations.

Biomarkers and Pharmacokinetics: The identification and validation of reliable biomarkers and pharmacokinetic studies are fundamental aspects of drug testing and analysis. The impact of hair treatments on the oxidation/decomposition of drugs in hair was also explored, as the long-term fate of drugs incorporated in the keratin matrix. Furthermore, the SoHT meeting in Verona featured research on the identification and quantification of alcohol abuse biomarkers, their stability, and their correlation with exposure and other biomarkers.

Forensic Applications and Interpretation: One of the vital objectives of hair testing is its application in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. The SoHT meeting in Verona emphasized the significance of rigorous interpretation of analytical results and the need for standardized protocols. Manuscripts in this section present advancements in forensic toxicology, and have explored the challenges posed by emerging designer drugs and strategies to combat their proliferation. The pitfalls encountered when the exogenous/endogenous nature of a substance is questioned were presented and discussed. The special issue presents also manuscripts that delve into the ethical implications of drug testing in drug facilitated sexual assaults.

Clinical Applications of hair testing are witnessed by the insight on environmental tobacco smoke exposure, assessed by hair analysis in a population of students and the study of in utero-exposure to drugs of abuse through neonatal hair analysis. Exposure to drugs was also important in cases of child abuse/neglect, when the clinical purpose of hair testing merge with its forensic applications.

The legal framework surrounding hair testing and the achievement of guidelines to ensure fairness, accuracy, and confidentiality in drug testing practices have also been discussed,and the SoHT consensus on general hair testing and testing for drugs of abuse was presented at the meeting and published as a Letter to the Editor.

In conclusion, the special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, featuring manuscripts from the SoHT–GTFI meeting in Verona 2022, reflects the remarkable advancements achieved in this field. The manuscripts provide valuable insights into novel analytical techniques, biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, forensic applications, and ethical considerations. As we embrace these advancements, we pave the way for a safer, healthier society, where drug testing and analysis serve as powerful tools in protecting public health and maintaining integrity in various sectors. The research presented in this special issue will undoubtedly shape the future of drug testing and analysis, fostering collaboration and inspiring further innovation in this crucial area of scientific inquiry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews