Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the structure of the developing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to an approximately three-month exposure period for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches containing around 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both initial screening and validation. For EtG, additional compounds, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair can't be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in the lab handling for a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial processing of a specimen into the lab’s system, ensuring the sample’s seal and shipment’s integrity, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry not included via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary inspection for drugs. Although Screening effectively dismisses drug use in most cases cost-effectively, a positive result must be substantiated for legal acceptability. Samples considered positive in Screening mandate further verification.
If a sample tests positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction preparation. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), proving why hair drug screening is the most complex methodology.
Confirmation of any initial positive becomes verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All provisional positive specimens undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The overall lab procedures from Accessioning to Confirmation are assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the underlying follicle.
In Masonville, CO, hair follicle testing triumphs over traditional urine tests, offering unmatched detection and reliability. Hair tests cover a wider timeframe, capturing a longer history of drug use. This makes them superior to urine tests, which are limited in their detection window and are often compromised due to easy manipulation.
In Masonville, CO, hair follicle testing offers a comprehensive detection timeframe, stretching up to 90 days. This extended window allows employers and authorities to gain a broader perspective on an individual's substance habits. Unlike shorter-term tests, hair analysis captures a full spectrum of potential substance use.
Hair follicle testing in Masonville, CO, minimizes the chances of tampered results, providing credible and irrefutable outcomes. The collection process is carefully monitored, greatly reducing opportunities for sample swapping or adulteration.
With numerous testing centers nationwide, including Masonville, CO, hair follicle testing is accessible and convenient. The availability of local facilities simplifies the process for individuals and companies looking for streamlined services.
In Masonville, CO, the hair follicle testing procedure is designed to be simple and discreet. Participants can order, undergo testing, and receive results with assurance of confidentiality. Privacy is maintained at every step of the process, making it user-friendly.
In Masonville, CO, hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing and rapid results, catering to companies of all sizes. The affordability combined with swift turnaround times delivers excellent value, making it a preferred option for cost-effective testing.
The precision and rapidity of hair follicle tests stand out in Masonville, CO, making them the preferred choice. Hair tests not only deliver fast results but are also highly accurate in unveiling substance use, leaving little room for error. Individuals and businesses alike benefit from the consistent reliability of these tests.
Employers in Masonville, CO, can experience peace of mind by utilizing hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free policies. It safeguards businesses from legal risks and enhances workplace safety, promoting a secure environment for all employees.
