Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of drugs and alcohol by capturing biomarkers in the strands of the growing hair. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of about three months for drugs and alcohol. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The four primary stages in laboratory processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, the sample is initially entered into the laboratory’s system, ensuring it was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly method to dismiss drug usage in numerous samples, a positive result calls for confirmation to be legally valid. Any sample with a presumptive positive result in Screening requires further confirmation.
If a sample is typically positive during Screening, further hair from the specimen is used for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at substantially lower concentrations than other methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methods to execute.
Positive results from Screening are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminary positive samples are washed as necessary before confirmation. The comprehensive process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strands, not the follicles beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers clear advantages over urine testing in Glendale, CO. While traditional urine tests are widely used, their detection window is short. Hair tests cover a broader timeline, up to 90 days, providing superior detection accuracy and reliability. Employers benefit from this extensive history, facilitating informed decisions regarding employee drug use.
Glendale, CO employers favor hair follicle testing due to its extended detection window. Covering up to 90 days, these tests offer a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance use history. This prolonged detection period allows employers to better assess the suitability of applicants or monitor employees over time.
Hair follicle tests in Glendale, CO, are designed to minimize sample tampering. Thanks to the collection method, these tests provide results that are dependable and tamper-resistant, offering peace of mind regarding the authenticity and reliability of the outcomes for both employers and employees.
Glendale, CO residents benefit from convenient hair testing due to widespread testing locations. Our nationwide network makes accessing drug testing services straightforward, ensuring fast and efficient service. Local testing capabilities enhance the ease with which employers and individuals can meet testing obligations.
In Glendale, CO, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, ensuring ease and privacy. From ordering to receiving results, the streamlined procedure addresses concerns about confidentiality and access, ensuring that all participants in the testing process experience a smooth and secure service.
Offering competitive pricing and quick result delivery, hair follicle testing in Glendale, CO, balances affordability and speed. Businesses of all sizes benefit from cost-effective testing solutions and fast turnaround times, ensuring that their drug testing needs are met without sacrificing value or efficiency.
In Glendale, CO, the speed and precision of hair follicle drug tests stand out. These tests quickly provide highly accurate results, making them an efficient tool for detecting substance use. Employers rely on the timely data to maintain workplace safety and integrity, benefiting from the swift yet reliable nature of hair testing.
Using hair follicle testing in Glendale, CO, assists employers in meeting compliance standards for drug-free workplaces. Emphasizing safety and adherence to regulations, these tests reduce legal risks and contribute to a secure working environment, providing employers with a heightened sense of security.
