Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments have been recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of substances by trapping markers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or screenings exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler's scale is suggested for weighing. If head hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair denote scalp hair specifically, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four essential phases in the laboratory handling of a drug screening result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial incorporation of a sample into the lab's system. This process entails checking that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, attaching a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers an economical means to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples showing presumptive positives in Screening require further confirmation.
When a sample shows presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at far lower concentrations than in other tests (like urine or oral fluid), emphasizing the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review according both to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Grand Junction, CO
When compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers several beneficial edges. Its superior detection accuracy and reliability are unparalleled, providing clearer insights into an individual's drug history. Furthermore, while urine tests are limited by a shorter detection window, hair tests cover a broader timeline, making them more valuable for thorough assessments.
Extended Detection Window in Grand Junction, CO
One of the distinguishing features of hair follicle testing is its ability to track drug usage over a significant period, reaching up to 90 days. This extended window allows employers to gain a detailed understanding of an individual's substance use history, making it an invaluable tool for long-term monitoring and assessment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Grand Junction, CO
Hair follicle tests are inherently robust against tampering and adulteration. The methodology used in these tests makes it exceedingly difficult for individuals to alter or compromise results, thus providing a dependable and verifiable outcome for all stakeholders involved in the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Grand Junction, CO
We offer a network of nationwide and local testing centers that enhance the convenience of accessing hair follicle drug testing services. This ensures quick, easy, and hassle-free service for individuals and businesses, facilitating immediate and effective testing at any needed point.
Simple, Confidential Process in Grand Junction, CO
The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving results from a hair follicle test is straightforward and confidential. This ease of use, coupled with assured privacy, addresses any concerns individuals might have, making it a preferred choice for personal and professional settings.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Grand Junction, CO
Our hair follicle testing services offer competitive pricing solutions and quick result turnovers, which are crafted to deliver significant value. This is especially favorable for companies seeking cost-effective ways to enforce drug-free policies while ensuring that results are timely and reliable.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Grand Junction, CO
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and rapid processing. Compared to alternative testing methods, they provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. This ensures that individuals, employers, and legal entities get a comprehensive and definitive overview of substance use patterns. This accuracy plays a crucial role, especially in critical decision-making scenarios.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Grand Junction, CO
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures that employers maintain compliance with workplace drug-free standards. This method not only reduces the risk of legal issues but also contributes to a safer working environment, fostering trust and reliability across organizational structures.
