Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding markers in the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When taken from the scalp area, the hair can indicate the presence of alcohol and drugs for up to roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, the chances of tampering are low, and it is easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hairs (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for testing and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a corresponding amount of body hair may be gathered. When referencing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug testing result involves four fundamental steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the preliminary handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes confirming that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for the presence of abused drugs. While Screening serves as a cost-effective method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive finding must be substantiated for it to stand in court. All samples that test positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample returns a positive result in the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the initial sample to be used in Extraction. During this stage, drugs are separated from hair at concentrations much lower than those in other testing methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is the toughest methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that are presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the actual test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Henderson, CO, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering enhanced detection accuracy. One of the main advantages is its ability to uncover long-term substance use, providing a broader picture of a person's drug history.
Unlike urine tests, which often detect recent use, hair follicle analysis stands out for its longevity in identifying drug exposure. This heightened reliability aids employers in maintaining a safer workplace.
Hair follicle testing in Henderson, CO is distinguished by its extended detection window, capturing drug use history for up to 90 days. This long-term overview gives employers a comprehensive insight into an employee's or applicant's substance use habits.
This broader detection range makes it a valuable tool for employers who prioritize a drug-free environment. By identifying drug usage over several months, it aids in making informed hiring decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Henderson, CO offer a tamper-resistant approach to drug testing. Unlike some other methods, these tests are far less susceptible to manipulation or adulteration, ensuring that results remain accurate and trustworthy.
The robust integrity of hair testing means that attempts to alter or mask drug usage are effectively mitigated, providing employers and legal entities with reliable data to base their decisions on.
In Henderson, CO, the convenience of nationwide testing centers simplifies the process of obtaining a hair follicle test. With easy access to these facilities, the testing procedure remains hassle-free for all participants.
Local and national locations ensure that individuals have prompt and effective access to testing services, without the stress of geographical limitations. This availability helps facilitate quick and efficient testing.
Ordering and undertaking hair follicle testing in Henderson, CO is a straightforward and confidential process. Individuals can expect privacy and simplicity at every stage, from scheduling to receiving results.
This seamless approach ensures that privacy concerns are addressed, offering a user-friendly experience that meets the needs of both employers and individuals with ease.
Henderson, CO offers affordable hair follicle testing with prompt turnaround, providing excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Competitive pricing structures ensure cost-effectiveness without compromising quality or speed.
Fast processing and result deliveries mean companies save both time and resources, making hair testing a wise investment for maintaining a healthy and drug-free workplace environment.
Fast, accurate, and reliable, hair follicle drug testing in Henderson, CO offers unparalleled precision in identifying substance use. Utilizing advanced technology, these tests boast a high accuracy rate, minimizing the chances of false positives or negatives.
Thanks to its precise detection capabilities, hair testing serves as a trustworthy solution for those seeking clarity and certainty. Results are not only quick to deliver but consistently reliable, providing peace of mind to employers and individuals alike.
Employers in Henderson, CO find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, which helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies. By reducing potential legal liabilities, these tests contribute to creating a safer and more compliant environment.
The assuredness provided by consistent and valid results fosters a sense of security, not only preventing workplace issues but also reinforcing a culture of safety and trust among employees.
