Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening has gained recognition as an effective mechanism to identify drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers of a maturing hair strand encapsulate biomarkers, yielding a prolonged history of substance use. When clipped near the scalp, hair offers a detection timeline of up to nearly 3 months for drug and alcohol presence. Hair is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to dispatch.
An optimal sample for analysis and verification is a 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, equating to 100mg of hair. For assessments such as EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Employing a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing is recommended. In cases where scalp hair is absent, a similar volume of body hair can be secured. Head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Laboratory handling of a drug test result consists of four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary integration of a sample into a lab’s database. This step ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipment, designates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any outstanding data entry omitted by an electronic custody chain framework.
Screening entails a swift preliminary assessment for drug misuse. While Screening serves as an economical approach to negate drug consumption for most samples, a positive finding necessitates further validation for court acceptability. Samples returning a presumptive positive in Screening demand subsequent confirmation.
Presuming a sample is flagged positive during Screening, additional hair from the initial sample is extracted for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other protocols (ex. urine or oral fluids), underscoring hair drug screening's complexity.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods execute Confirmation of any positive screening outcome. Before Confirmation, all presumptive positive specimens undergo washing as deemed necessary. The comprehensive laboratory workflow, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common reference as "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Residents of Gem Village, CO find hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing thanks to its outstanding detection capabilities. Unlike standard urine tests, hair analysis offers a robust detection time, recognizing drug use for up to 90 days. This extends a more accurate and reliable assessment, especially valuable for organizations dedicated to maintaining drug-free environments.
In Gem Village, CO, the extensive detection window of hair follicle testing is unparalleled, spanning an impressive 90 days. This broad timeframe enables employers to have deeper insights into an individual's substance use history, thus making informed, responsible hiring and employment decisions based on more thorough background checks.
Hair follicle testing in Gem Village, CO stands out for its resistance to tampering. Unlike alternatives that can be easily manipulated, hair tests are conducted under secure conditions, ensuring authenticity and credibility of results. This high degree of reliability leaves no room for error or foul play in the evaluation of substance use.
Convenience is paramount in Gem Village, CO, with Accredited Drug Testing providing nationwide and local testing centers. This extensive network allows residents to access services without hassle, ensuring that efficient and straightforward testing is just a short drive away. Their coverage simplifies the logistical challenges of obtaining necessary drug tests.
The testing process with Accredited Drug Testing in Gem Village, CO is designed to be both simple and confidential. Ordering, undergoing tests, and receiving results are streamlined to respect privacy while maintaining ease of access. Users benefit from a process that prioritizes discretion and user-friendliness, addressing any privacy concerns.
Gem Village, CO benefits from competitive pricing and quick processing times with Accredited Drug Testing's hair tests. Businesses of every size enjoy excellent value through affordable rates and fast turnarounds. This ensures that quality drug testing is accessible and not a financial burden, fostering peace of mind for all parties involved.
Hair follicle tests in Gem Village, CO deliver quick and precise results. The methodology behind these tests ensures that even small traces of substance use are accurately identified, showcasing their proficiency in pinpointing drug use. Combined with speedy processing times, this method is indispensable for those needing urgent and trustworthy outcomes.
For employers in Gem Village, CO, hair follicle testing offers assurance in compliance and workplace safety. By aligning with drug-free policies, businesses mitigate legal risks and safeguard their environment. These tests enhance confidence, allowing management to operate knowing they're fostering a secure and controlled work setting.
