Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as an effective method for detecting alcohol and drug use. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of its growing strands, offering a long-term history of substance use. When obtained near the scalp, it can provide a detection window of up to about three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional substances, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is absent, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step in a laboratory’s system, involving initial sample processing. This step ensures the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid check for drug substances. Although a cost-effective method for ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive screening result must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require additional Confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. The Extraction phase involves removing drugs from hair, which occurs at a much lower concentration compared to other methodologies like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before Confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Outperforms Urine Testing
In Greenhorn, CO, hair follicle testing stands out against traditional urine tests by offering superior detection. This method ensures accurate result interpretation and greater reliability, giving a thorough overview of substance use.
Prolonged Detection Period Advantage
Employers in Greenhorn, CO, benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, providing insight into a user’s substance history. This test detects drug use over a span of up to 90 days, crucial for thorough background checks.
Secure and Tamper-Proof Testing
Hair follicle drug tests in Greenhorn, CO vastly lower the risk of sample tampering. This ensures the credibility of results, giving reliable and unquestionable outcomes for the testers.
Convenient Testing Across Locations
Our comprehensive network of testing centers ensures that Greenhorn, CO residents have quick and seamless access to testing services across the nation. This convenience aids in hassle-free drug screening processes.
Effortless and Confidential Testing Process
The process for hair follicle testing in Greenhorn, CO is straightforward and private. This ensures user privacy and ease at every stage from ordering to receiving results, addressing confidentiality concerns.
Cost-Effective and Timely Results
Our competitive pricing structure in Greenhorn, CO provides value with fast turnaround times. This service is ideal for companies of all sizes, offering excellent outcomes and peace of mind.
Fast and Reliable Testing in Greenhorn, CO
The precision of hair follicle testing ensures fast and accurate results, making it a preferred option. This method offers high reliability in detecting drug use, providing clear results rapidly and efficiently.
Ensuring Compliance and Employer Assurance
Hair follicle testing supports compliance with strict workplace drug policies in Greenhorn, CO. This method enhances safety, mitigating legal risks while offering peace of mind to employers.