Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The detection of drug and alcohol consumption has increasingly relied on hair testing as an effective method. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers in the strands' fibers as they grow. By collecting hair close to the scalp, it is possible to achieve a detection window for drugs and alcohol that can last as long as three months. Hair collection is uncomplicated, somewhat resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
For an optimal screening and confirmation, a 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) cut near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the ideal sample size. For EtG, additional testing, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is the suggested specimen weight. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing is advised. In instances where scalp hair is absent, a comparable amount of body hair is permissible for collection. 'Head hair' exclusively pertains to scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses facial, axillary, and other types.
Process Overview
Laboratory processing of drug tests encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning signifies the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s database. This procedure ensures the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, generates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any extra data input required by the absence of an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. Though Screening offers a budget-friendly method to dismiss drug use across the majority of samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptive positives from Screening require further confirmation.
When a Screening indicates presumptive positivity, extra hair is drawn from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), accentuating hair drug testing's complexity.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed for the Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation is scrutinized in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the skin's surface.
Hair follicle testing in Fowler, CO, offers several advantages over traditional urine analysis. For starters, hair tests boast a superior detection accuracy due to their ability to capture long-term drug use profiles, unlike urine tests that only reflect recent consumption.
Additionally, hair tests are almost impossible to tamper with or cheat, enhancing their reliability compared to urine tests, which can be more susceptible to falsification or adulteration.
An extended detection window is a key benefit of hair follicle testing available in Fowler, CO. This method can reveal drug use over up to 90 days, far exceeding the capabilities of urine tests. This longer detection period offers a full understanding of an individual's substance use.
With such a vast window of detection, employers gain a comprehensive overview of an employee's drug history, fostering informed decision-making based on accurate testing metrics.
Hair follicle testing in Fowler, CO, emerges as a tamper-resistant testing method, reducing the possibility of sample contamination. Unlike other methodologies, hair testing robustly ensures sample integrity.
This method's resilience against adulteration leads to trustworthy results, enabling employers and testing facilitators to rely on the findings without the fear of misleading results due to tampering.
Our testing facilities, present throughout the nation and locally in Fowler, CO, offer convenient access to our services. This network ensures that individuals and businesses find testing centers within reasonable proximity for easy accessibility.
With a broad spectrum of locations available, Accredited Drug Testing provides quick, seamless testing processes, accommodating clients with ease, minimizing travel time and hassle.
The process of conducting hair follicle tests in Fowler, CO, is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, each step prioritizes privacy and efficiency.
This streamlined approach makes the testing experience less daunting, ensuring individuals feel secure and private in their journey, with no unnecessary obstacles or complex procedures involved.
Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for tests conducted in Fowler, CO. Our competitive pricing options cater to companies of all sizes, providing excellent value without compromising on quality.
Fast processing of test results ensures that stakeholders receive timely insights, facilitating swift and informed decision-making, backed by trustworthy data.
When it comes to fast, accurate, and reliable results in Fowler, CO, hair follicle drug tests excel in delivering precise outcomes. The advanced methodology of detecting substance use through hair provides enhanced accuracy, ensuring dependable assessment results every time.
The speed at which these tests produce results is unmatched, providing quick insights into drug use patterns. In times of urgent decision-making, such swift and precise testing can be a game-changer for businesses.
By employing hair follicle testing in Fowler, CO, employers ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies, significantly reducing legal risks. Hair tests provide assurance that policies are being adhered to, fostering a safe working environment.
The peace of mind that comes from using such a reliable testing method helps fortify a company's commitment to a secure, drug-free workplace, boosting both safety and productivity.
