Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair sampling has emerged as an effective means for detecting substance use, offering insight into a longer timeframe of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair samples can yield a detection span of up to roughly three months for both alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
An optimal specimen for analysis involves a 1.5-inch section, comprising around 200 strands of hair (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, resulting in 100mg of hair. However, for EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advocated. Using a jeweler's scale to measure the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types, such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the lab's system. This process ensures the sample's sealing and shipment were executed correctly, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and fills in any data missing from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a quick preliminary check for substance abuse. Though it’s a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most samples, any positive result here needs further confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples with presumptive positive results in this stage necessitate subsequent confirmation.
Presumptive positives in the Screening phase entail preparing additional hair from the original sample for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other techniques like urine or oral fluid tests, explaining why hair drug analysis is particularly challenging.
Confirmation of all positive screening outcomes is executed using methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as deemed necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, aligns with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) for Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards of accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Hartsel, CO, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing by offering superior detection rates and accurate results. Hair tests present notable advantages over urine tests, such as long-term drug usage detection and harder tampering.
Employers benefit from a broader drug use timeline, which hair tests provide, unlike urine tests, which detect recent use. Reliability makes them a favored choice for organizations enforcing drug-free policies.
The extended window for detection offered by hair follicle testing in Hartsel, CO, gives employers a clearer insight into an individual's substance habits. Unlike urine tests, hair tests can reveal drug use spanning up to three months.
This elongated detection period assists employers in assessing prospective hires or current employees more comprehensively, ensuring a healthier and more vigilant workplace environment.
Hair follicle testing in Hartsel, CO, greatly minimizes the odds of tampering, offering reliable test results. The methodology involved makes it nearly tamper-proof, maintaining the test's authenticity and dependability.
This testing method provides peace of mind for employers seeking unquestionable results, as the risk of adulteration is significantly reduced compared to other testing forms, such as urine testing.
The convenience of numerous nationwide testing centers, including in Hartsel, CO, guarantees easy access to our services. This accessibility ensures that individuals and businesses alike can quickly participate in the testing process.
Our local and extensive network facilitates a hassle-free experience for all clients, streamlining the procedure from testing to obtaining results, thus making compliance and safety management effortless.
In Hartsel, CO, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and respects privacy. From setting up an appointment to taking the test and receiving results, every step is designed to be confidential and user-friendly.
Well-organized procedures ensure that clients feel comfortable throughout the testing journey, maintaining confidentiality and making the entire process efficient and discreet.
Hartsel, CO, benefits from accessible pricing and quick result delivery with our hair follicle testing services. We offer competitive pricing models, ensuring excellent value for businesses of all sizes.
Fast turnaround times complement our affordability, providing peace of mind and timely results, thereby supporting companies in maintaining drug-free environments with minimal disruption.
In Hartsel, CO, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and swiftness in identifying substance use. The high degree of accuracy ensures reliable results, aiding employers in making informed decisions.
These tests are crafted to deliver results with impressive speed, enhancing the ability of organizations to manage their employee assessments effectively. With hair testing, stakeholders can trust the outcomes, ensuring workplace integrity.
In Hartsel, CO, utilizing hair follicle testing enhances employer confidence by ensuring compliance with workplace policies. This method not only reduces legal risks but also boosts overall workplace safety.
Implementing drug-free policies becomes seamless with hair testing, as employers can uphold safe and healthy work environments, free from the disturbances of illicit substance use.
