Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has increasingly been recognized as an effective method for detecting the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a prolonged record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, hair can present up to roughly a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat resistant to alteration, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of around 200 hair strands (roughly the dimension of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen amount of 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in processing a drug test result in a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial preparation of a sample in a lab’s system. This process includes confirming the sample was securely sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling out any further data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid test for detecting drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method for ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be accepted in court. Samples that test positive during Screening require an additional confirmation.
If a sample tests positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than with other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fountain, CO
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers a superior detection method. Its accuracy in identifying substances is unmatched, making it a preferred choice for employers and legal institutions seeking reliable results.
Extended Detection Window in Fountain, CO
Hair follicle tests provide a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history, with a detection window extending up to 90 days. This extensive timeframe offers employers a more thorough understanding of an applicant's background.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fountain, CO
The hair follicle testing process significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering, ensuring the integrity and reliability of results. This method offers unquestionable evidence of an individual's substance use history, enhancing confidence in the outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fountain, CO
With our widespread network of testing centers, accessing hair follicle testing services has never been easier. The local availability in Fountain, CO, ensures that tests can be conducted promptly and hassle-free.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fountain, CO
The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns. This ensures that users can participate comfortably and with ease.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fountain, CO
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times provide exceptional value. Businesses of all sizes can enjoy the benefits of efficient and cost-effective testing solutions without compromising on quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fountain, CO
Hair follicle tests boast unparalleled precision and speed, offering results that employers and individuals can rely upon. Their superior accuracy ensures that substance use, if present, is detected correctly, enhancing trust in the testing outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fountain, CO
Employing hair follicle tests assures strict adherence to workplace drug policies, effectively reducing legal exposure and bolstering safety. This testing method offers peace of mind by ensuring policy compliance.
