Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the maturing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can present up to a roughly 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collection of hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
An ideal sample for screening and confirmation consists of a 1.5-inch piece of about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, providing 100mg of hair. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair alludes to any other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary handling of a specimen into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was adequately sealed and shipped, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial and rapid inspection for drugs of misuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen must be validated for legal acceptability. Any samples with presumptive positives in Screening require additional confirmation.
In the event of a presumptive positive outcome in the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a markedly lower concentration than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to hair drug screening’s positioning as the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening results is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive specimens undergo washing prior to confirmation as needed. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the complete lab procedure is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
For those in Haswell, CO, hair follicle testing presents a marked advantage over traditional urine tests. The primary edge lies in its much longer detection window, offering a clearer picture of substance use. This test avoids the pitfalls of short detection periods seen in urine tests, providing a more reliable assessment for employer or legal requirements.
Unlike urine tests that capture recent substance intake, hair follicle tests delve deeper into an individual’s past use, typically up to 90 days. This quality makes it an invaluable tool for employers, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies and promoting a safer environment.
Offering an extended detection window, hair follicle testing in Haswell, CO, grants an insightful view into past substance use. Capable of detecting drugs used up to 90 days ahead, this testing method offers a comprehensive insight into an individual's history, aiding employers in understanding potential risks.
The ability to assess an extended period allows for a detailed evaluation, surpassing the limitations of shorter-term tests. For employers, this ensures the selection of candidates aligning with company policies, maintaining a drug-free atmosphere.
Hair follicle tests offer a robust defense against tampering in Haswell, CO, due to their unique collection method. Unlike other tests susceptible to adulteration, the integrity of a hair test remains intact, providing confidence in the reliability of the test results.
The resilience against sample adulteration or substitution is a significant benefit, making hair follicle testing a superior choice for trustworthy drug screening processes. This ensures that the results are accurate and indisputable, giving peace of mind to those relying on the outcomes.
Convenience is key in drug testing, and with our nationwide network, including in Haswell, CO, we offer easy access to our services. This widespread availability simplifies the process, making testing a hassle-free experience for individuals and businesses alike.
By ensuring a vast linkage of testing locations, clients can rely on the timely and accessible execution of tests. Whether local or nationwide, our centers ensure that testing remains convenient and readily accessible, supporting businesses in efficiently maintaining compliance.
In Haswell, CO, we ensure that our hair follicle testing process remains both straightforward and confidential. From ordering to results, the streamlined process safeguards privacy while providing ease of use for our clients, addressing personal concerns effectively.
Our commitment to maintaining confidentiality is combined with simplicity at each testing stage. This approach makes it less daunting for individuals, ensuring seamless service delivery while respecting the need for discretion and privacy.
Our hair follicle testing services in Haswell, CO, are competitively priced while ensuring fast turnaround times. This approach provides excellent value for businesses of all sizes, offering peace of mind through cost-effective and rapid solutions.
Affordability combined with reliability ensures that companies benefit from financial savings and efficient results processing. Our dedication to balancing cost with quality guarantees exceptional service, supporting all business testing needs.
In Haswell, CO, hair follicle tests stand out for their rapid, accurate, and reliable outcomes. These tests excel in speed and precision, effectively detecting substance use with a high degree of accuracy, which has proven to be beneficial for comprehensive substance abuse analysis.
The efficiency of hair follicle drug testing offers fast results without sacrificing reliability. This method ensures timely and trustworthy confirmations of substance presence, thereby aiding employers in quick decision-making while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Haswell, CO, can significantly bolster employer compliance with drug-free policies, thereby ensuring a safe, risk-averse environment. By incorporating this testing method, businesses are better equipped to mitigate potential legal disputes pertaining to substance use.
Hair follicle tests not only help assure that work policies are upheld but also enhance the overall peace of mind for management and workforce alike. Adhering to these procedures ensures not only compliance but also promotes safety and trust within the business environment.
