Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The strands of hair capture biomarkers over time, providing a historical record of substance use. When hair samples are taken from near the scalp, they can reveal drug or alcohol use for up to around three months. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both preliminary screening and definitive confirmation. For EtG, additional options, and panels exceeding 10, a specimen amount of 150mg is advisable. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be obtained. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for laboratory analysis of a drug test result involves four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample is integrated into the laboratory’s framework. This step ensures that the sample has been correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any supplementary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial, economical inspection for drugs of abuse. Although Screening efficiently excludes drug use in most cases, a positive result must be validated to be court-admissible. Samples that return presumptive positives during Screening are subject to further confirmation.
For samples testing positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is drawn from the primary specimen for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methodologies (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a more complex process.
Positive results from Screening are validated through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positives are washed before Confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated following both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the test analyzes the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Excels over urine tests in Gerrard, CO: Hair tests provide superior detection with up to a 90-day window, surpassing the limited timeframe of traditional urine tests. The reliability of hair analysis means results are not only more accurate but also more reflective of chronic substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Gerrard, CO marks the distinct advantage of hair follicle testing. This method can trace drug usage up to 90 days prior, offering a comprehensive view of an applicant or employee's drug history. It empowers employers with valuable legacy information crucial for informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Method ensures reliable results for hair follicle tests in Gerrard, CO. The nature of hair samples significantly curtails the possibility of adulteration, ensuring authenticity and accountability that other testing methods struggle to provide.
Convenient Testing Locations abound in Gerrard, CO, alongside a widespread network of nationwide centers. This guarantees that individuals can easily access compliant and professional testing services quickly and conveniently, without unnecessary hassle.
Simple and Confidential Process for hair testing in Gerrard, CO assures ease and privacy. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step is handled with utmost confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring a smooth experience.
Affordable Prices and Rapid Turnaround define our services in Gerrard, CO. With competitive pricing and swift processing times, hair follicle testing offers unparalleled value, providing efficient solutions to companies of all sizes seeking reliable results.
Precision and Speed in Gerrard, CO are at the forefront of hair follicle drug tests, offering exceptional accuracy in pinpointing substance use. The efficiency of these tests ensures quick and reliable outcomes, giving individuals and organizations the confidence they require in their results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind in Gerrard, CO are prioritized with hair follicle testing. This helps employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies effectively, mitigating legal risks and enhancing overall workplace safety and productivity.
