Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a formidable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers in a growing hair strand capture biomarkers, offering an extensive timeline of alcohol and drug use. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month detection range for alcohol and drug activity. Hair sample collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for testing and validation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample specimen is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. In cases where scalp hair is nonexistent, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This process includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although a cost-effective procedure to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified for it to be admissible in legal settings. Samples presumed positive during Screening require additional confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive result at the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The laboratory procedures from Accessioning to Confirmation are assessed both under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and in accordance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Garfield, COHair follicle tests offer significant advantages over traditional urine tests. The enhanced detection window and more reliable results underscore their superiority. These tests boast superior accuracy and are a game-changer for employers and authorities seeking reliable substance use insights.
Extended Detection Window in Garfield, COHair follicle testing provides a substantial detection period—up to 90 days—allowing a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s substance history. This extended window grants employers a more thorough understanding of drug use patterns compared to shorter-term testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Garfield, COHair follicle tests significantly minimize the chance of sample tampering, delivering confidently dependable results. This noteworthy resilience against adulteration ensures tests remain untainted, offering peace of mind regarding the authenticity of findings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Garfield, COThe broad network of testing centers nationwide, including accessible locations in Garfield, CO, ensures testing services are easily reachable. This convenience facilitates timely and efficient access to testing, easing testing processes for all involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Garfield, COThe process for ordering, undertaking, and receiving hair test results is straightforward and discreet in Garfield, CO. Addressing privacy and user concerns, the process ensures seamless engagement while maintaining confidentiality throughout the testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Garfield, COCompetitive pricing structures combined with quick result turnaround times make hair follicle testing an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. This blend of value and efficiency supports corporate needs for comprehensive substance use insights.
Clients benefit from reduced costs without sacrificing speed or accuracy.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Garfield, COHair follicle drug tests deliver quick and precise results, making them a top choice in Garfield, CO. These tests provide high accuracy that effectively detects substance use, adding confidence to the reliability of test outcomes.
When timing and accuracy are crucial, hair testing stands out for its swift processing and clarity.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Garfield, COEmployers in Garfield, CO benefit from the assurance that hair follicle testing aligns with drug-free workplace policies. This compliance minimizes legal risks and enhances safety, supporting a productive and accountable work environment free of substance misuse.
