Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. It offers a prolonged historical view of substance intake by locking biomarkers within the hair's growing fibers. When taken close to the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. This process of collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels exceeding ten, a specimen size of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair is collectable. When discussing head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in laboratory processing of drug test results are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the foundational step of introducing a sample into a laboratory system. It verifies the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid test for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient means to negate drug use in many samples, a confirmed screen is necessary for legal admittance. Any samples appearing positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive result in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. Here, hair treatments receive drugs at a lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making it the most challenging method to execute.
Positive Screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All potential positive samples undergo washing before confirmation where necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually assesses the hair strand rather than the follicle underneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Leadville, CO
Comparisons between hair and urine tests underscore the superiority of hair testing. Its precision in detecting substances over a prolonged period, combined with the reliability of results, elevates hair testing above the traditional urine method. Employers in Leadville find these attributes particularly advantageous.
Extended Detection Window in Leadville, CO
Hair follicle testing provides insights into drug use over an extensive period of up to 90 days. This offers employers a thorough evaluation of an employee or applicant's substance history, making it immensely useful for comprehensive assessments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Leadville, CO
Hair follicle tests offer a robust methodology that greatly minimizes the likelihood of sample tampering. This delivers reliable and credible results, making it a favored choice for accurate substance abuse testing in Leadville.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Leadville, CO
Our testing centers are conveniently positioned nationwide, including in Leadville, ensuring straightforward access to testing services. This widespread availability allows for a hassle-free experience regarding drug testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Leadville, CO
The process for ordering, undertaking, and receiving results from hair tests is straightforward and confidential. This addresses privacy concerns and ensures ease of use, providing a seamless experience for individuals and businesses alike.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Leadville, CO
Offering competitive pricing and rapid results, hair follicle testing in Leadville provides exceptional value to organizations of all sizes, ensuring financial prudence and peace of mind with swift service delivery.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Leadville, CO
Hair follicle tests in Leadville boast rapid and precise outcomes. These tests stand out due to their exceptional accuracy when identifying substance intake, ensuring quick and trustworthy results. This makes them an indispensable tool for timely decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Leadville, CO
Employing hair follicle testing aids in enforcing workplace drug-free policies. This not only mitigates legal risks but also enhances safety, offering employers assurance and peace of mind in maintaining compliance.