Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments have increasingly been recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of substance use by securing biomarkers within its developing fiber. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers nearly a 3-month window of detection for alcohol and substances. The collection process is straightforward, with limited potential for tampering, and it's effortless to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment from around 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, an optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG inclusions and/or analyses beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing is recommended. Absent scalp hair, an equivalent volume of body hair might be utilized. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The four fundamental stages in laboratory processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves assimilating a sample into a laboratory's framework. This entails confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, allotting a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any missing data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as an initial rapid assessment for substance misuse. Although cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to stand in court. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening require secondary verification.
Should a sample appear presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. In this phase, substances are drawn from hair at lesser concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining the complexity of hair drug screening.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests," the analysis pertains to the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Laird, CO
Hair follicle tests offer significant advantages over traditional urine tests, including enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair testing provides a broader detection window, capturing evidence of substance use over a longer period, which is crucial for effective monitoring and maintaining compliance with zero-tolerance policies.
Extended Detection Window in Laird, CO
One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect substance use over an extensive period of up to 90 days. This longer detection window provides employers with a comprehensive insight into the applicant or employee's drug use history, making it an invaluable tool for creating a safe and compliant work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Laird, CO
Hair follicle tests offer a robust solution against sample tampering, significantly reducing the chances of adulteration. This tamper-resistant method ensures the results are reliable and unbiased, providing peace of mind and ensuring valid test outcomes that stand up under scrutiny.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Laird, CO
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide ensures that drug testing is a quick, hassle-free experience. With locations across the country, including in Laird, CO, accessing these services is both convenient and straightforward, enabling fast and efficient testing processes for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Laird, CO
The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is designed to be straightforward and confidential. Clients can rest assured that their privacy and ease of access are prioritized, making this an appealing choice for those seeking trustworthy and private testing solutions.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Laird, CO
Our competitive pricing models and swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing a cost-effective choice for businesses of all sizes. With a focus on delivering excellent value and ensuring companies receive results promptly, this testing method offers substantial benefits for organizations looking to optimize their testing protocols.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Laird, CO
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and precision in substance detection. Their superior accuracy ensures that individuals' substance use history is correctly identified, providing a trustworthy testing solution. This meticulous approach helps in maintaining the integrity of workplace policies and offers peace of mind for both employers and employees.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Laird, CO
By utilizing hair follicle testing, employers can ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, effectively mitigating legal risks. This testing method not only enhances workplace safety but also fosters a reliable, substance-free environment, offering peace of mind for employers and setting a strong foundation for workplace integrity.
