Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for monitoring drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug exposure by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strands as they grow. A sample taken near the scalp can potentially offer up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hairs (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for evaluation and verification. For EtG assessments, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample weight of 150mg is preferable. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory's system. This step confirms that the sample was securely sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplemental data entry that an electronic chain of custody system might not provide.
Screening performs an initial rapid evaluation for commonly abused substances. Though Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug use in most cases, a positive result needs confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require subsequent verification.
In instances where a sample returns a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which underscores the complexity of performing hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair credential and those certified to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Midland, CO stands out by offering multiple advantages over traditional urine tests. Higher detection accuracy and reliability make it a preferred choice for thorough drug screening.
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle tests provide a broader detection window. This makes them more effective for identifying patterns of drug use, as it isn't limited to recent consumption like urine tests.
In Midland, CO, the extended detection window of hair follicle tests can identify drug use up to 90 days prior. This offers a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history.
By covering a longer time frame, hair testing provides employers with a detailed analysis of their employee's or applicant's drug use patterns, allowing for better-informed decision-making.
Hair follicle testing in Midland, CO is tamper-resistant, significantly reducing the chances of sample adulteration. This provides results that are both reliable and unquestionable.
The testing process, designed to be highly secure, ensures the authenticity of the sample collected, allowing organizations to have confidence in the test outcomes.
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient testing locations nationwide, including local options in Midland, CO, ensuring a quick and hassle-free experience.
Our expansive national network guarantees easy access to testing services, minimizing the hassle for both individuals and employers requiring testing.
The hair follicle testing process in Midland, CO is simple and confidential, from ordering to completing the test and receiving results. This alleviates privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use.
The streamlined process ensures that individuals can efficiently handle their testing needs with confidence in the discretion and simplicity of the system.
In Midland, CO, our hair follicle testing services offer competitive pricing and quick turnaround, making them affordable for companies of all sizes.
The combination of affordable prices and fast results provides excellent value, ensuring companies can manage their testing needs both efficiently and economically.
In Midland, CO, hair follicle drug tests are known for their speed and accuracy. These tests offer precise detection of substance use, ensuring reliable results faster than many alternatives.
The thorough nature of hair testing means accurate detection of drug use, giving both employers and individuals the peace of mind that the results are trustworthy and expedient.
In Midland, CO, implementing hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, ensuring legal compliance and enhancing workplace safety.
This peace of mind for employers comes from knowing they are upholding standards that reduce legal risks and improve overall environmental safety.
