Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The strands of hair offer a prolonged account of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the growing fibers. When taken near the scalp, hair can furnish about a three-month period of detection for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, made up of roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp provides about 100mg, which is optimal for testing. For EtG enhancements and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing the hair sample. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a proportionate quantity of body hair may be used. The term head hair refers only to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis for drug testing follows four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first phase, where a sample is logged into a lab's system. It involves confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, issuing a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry if not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary swift check for substance misuse. Although it’s a resource-efficient method to identify drug use in most samples, a positive screening result must be verified for legal use. Any samples flagged as presumptive positives in Screening need additional confirmation.
If a Screening test indicates a presumptive positive, further hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This step isolates drugs from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis particularly challenging to execute.
Confirming any positive screening outcome is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before any confirmation, all presumptive positives undergo wash procedures as required. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle underneath the scalp.
In Howard, CO, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing by offering extensive detection capabilities. Its accuracy and reliability make it the preferred choice for rigorous drug use assessments. Unlike urine tests, it provides an impressive awareness of an individual's substance history.
Employers benefit from more credible results with hair analysis, minimizing the risk of employment with drug users.
The benefit of hair follicle testing in Howard, CO, includes its extended detection window—covering up to 90 days of substance use history. This provides employers with a broad perspective on an individual's patterns of drug and alcohol consumption.
Employers have the opportunity to gauge applicants' drug history, making informed hiring decisions based on a comprehensive view of employee behavior.
One of the standout attributes in Howard, CO, of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering. This method significantly diminishes the potential for sample adulteration, ensuring that results remain trustworthy and credible.
Its inherent advantages cater to environments where maintaining integrity in drug testing is paramount, supporting the drive for accuracy.
Through our extensive network of testing locations, including in Howard, CO, obtaining a hair follicle test becomes convenient and straightforward. This wide-reaching presence ensures timely and efficient access to drug testing services, minimizing any disruptions to the daily routine.
Available nationwide, the process occurs seamlessly, accommodating even the busiest schedules.
In Howard, CO, our approach to hair follicle drug testing emphasizes simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to result retrieval, the process is designed to be straightforward while respecting privacy and discretion. Customers can be assured of a worry-free and secure experience.
The service underscores ease, ensuring users embark on a stress-free journey to get their test results.
Offering competitive rates, our hair follicle testing in Howard, CO, provides excellent value, matched by quick turnaround times. Our pricing structure is designed to suit companies of all sizes, ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising the quality of service.
This approach ensures financial prudence while maintaining the integrity and speed employers need.
Hair follicle drug testing in Howard, CO, is renowned for quick and precise assessments. Offering unrivaled accuracy, it can detect even low-level substance usage, furnishing timely and reliable results that ensure informed decisions for employers and individuals alike.
The method's precision is particularly significant, providing a degree of clarity previously unattainable with more conventional tests.
For employers in Howard, CO, hair follicle drug testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, offering peace of mind. This method reduces legal exposure and bolsters safety, aligning with policies promoting a constructive and safe working environment.
Employers are reassured by the comprehensive nature of the results, reducing potential liabilities.