Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying the usage of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a prolonged record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair fiber as it grows. When hair is collected in proximity to the scalp, it can reveal a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and drug use. Hair collection is easy, hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg, the optimal amount for preliminary and follow-up testing. For EtG, supplemental, or more comprehensive tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It's suggested to weigh the hair on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t present, a similar amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically means scalp hair. "Body hair" refers to all other hair types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The four principal phases in the lab-based process of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
This phase integrates the initial handling of a sample in a lab's database. It involves verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any necessary data entries not handled by an electronic chain of custody.
This stage involves a preliminary check for substances. While Screening offers a cost-effective means to dismiss drug use in the majority of cases, any positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples showing presumptive positives at Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity at Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at a concentration much lower than other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid). Hence, hair drug testing is considered the most challenging to conduct.
Verification of any positive screen is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, if needed. The comprehensive lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation along with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often dubbed as "hair follicle tests", these tests actually evaluate the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Triumphs in Goldfield, CO
When comparing hair follicle and urine testing, hair analysis offers benefits in precision and reliability. Unlike the traditional urine test, hair tests capture a longer history of substance use, offering a comprehensive understanding of usage patterns. This leads to enhanced detection accuracy, reinforcing policy adherence among employers.
In Goldfield, CO, hair follicle drug testing is favored for its extended detection period of up to 90 days. This capacity to identify drug use over such an extended window offers employers a broad view of a potential hire or current employee's substance patterns, facilitating informed decision-making and enhancing safety protocols within organizations.
For businesses in Goldfield, CO, the hair follicle drug tests ensure significantly minimized risks of sample tampering. The structure of hair samples makes them virtually tamper-proof, providing dependable and consistent results that leave little room for doubt. This secure process upholds the integrity of testing outcomes.
With conveniently located testing centers across the nation and in Goldfield, CO, accessing hair follicle testing services is straightforward. Our strategically positioned facilities guarantee quick and efficient service access, facilitating an easy testing process for both businesses and individuals.
The hair follicle testing process in Goldfield, CO, is designed to be both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving your results, we prioritize your privacy at every step. This streamlined procedure ensures an unobtrusive experience, alleviating concerns about confidentiality while gaining reliable test results promptly.
Goldfield, CO businesses benefit from our cost-effective pricing and rapid turnaround with hair follicle tests. Offering excellent value through competitive rates without compromising quality or speed, this assures companies of all sizes a high return on investment, aligning budgetary constraints with testing needs.
The hair follicle drug tests in Goldfield, CO, reliably offer swift and precise results. Their unmatched accuracy in detecting substance use is evident, with a process that efficiently confirms drug presence. Fast and accurate are key attributes, ensuring that the results delivered are dependable and timely, making them a preferred choice for employers seeking thorough analysis.
Goldfield, CO employers can ensure workplace safety through hair follicle testing, which supports adherence to drug-free policies. This approach confers both regulatory compliance and a reduction in legal risks. By promoting a drug-free environment, companies enhance safety and foster employee peace of mind.
