Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The analysis of hair has gained recognition as an effective means for detecting alcohol and drug usage. Hair stores a prolonged history of substances by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer up to a roughly 3-month period for detecting drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, approximately 200 strands of hair (similar to a #2 pencil in thickness) nearest the scalp, yields 100mg, which is optimal for testing. For EtG, additional panels, or testing above 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. Measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale is advisable. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. Reference to head hair solely pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug tests involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introductory step involving the incorporation of a sample into the laboratory’s system. It entails ensuring the sample's seal and shipment were intact, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any pending data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs. Though cost-efficient in excluding drug presence in most samples, a positive screen needs confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples with a presumptive positive during Screening require further confirmation.
If the Screening stage yields a presumptive positive, additional hair is taken from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. This step involves retrieving drugs from hair at concentrations lower than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), positioning hair drug screening as the most challenging technique.
Confirmation of any positive results during screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are washed as necessary prior to confirmation. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to hair strands and not the follicles beneath the scalp.
Hair testing stands out in Irondale, CO, due to its superior detection capabilities compared to urine tests. Accuracy in detecting a range of substances is heightened with hair tests, making it a preferred choice for employers and legal entities who need dependable results.
In Irondale, CO, the advantage of hair follicle testing lies in its extended detection window. Unlike more conventional testing methods, hair tests can identify drug use history for up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive look at an individual's substance use history.
With hair follicle tests, the risk of sample adulteration is significantly minimized in Irondale, CO. This testing method is tamper-resistant, ensuring that the results are trustworthy and unquestionable.
In Irondale, CO, the accessibility of our testing services is unparalleled due to our convenient nationwide testing centers. These facilities provide an easy and hassle-free process for individuals requiring drug testing.
The process of hair follicle testing in Irondale, CO, is straightforward and confidential, addressing concerns about privacy. This simple process ensures that individuals can easily order, complete, and receive their results without issues.
Our pricing structures in Irondale, CO, are competitive, making hair follicle testing a cost-effective choice. With affordable pricing and prompt turnaround times, companies of all sizes benefit from excellent value without compromising on accuracy or speed.
The quickness and precision of hair follicle drug tests make them an excellent choice in Irondale, CO. Hair tests are renowned for their high detection accuracy concerning substance use, providing reliable results that are critical for employers and individuals alike.
For employers in Irondale, CO, adopting hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, offering peace of mind. It enhances safety and minimizes legal risks associated with drug use in the workplace.
