Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly regarded as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record by trapping biomarkers within the hair shaft as it grows. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection span of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. It's straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the perfect sample size for analysis. For EtG, add-ons, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result encompasses four core stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample into the lab’s system, ensuring it was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any outstanding data input not addressed by an electronic chain of custody method.
Screening offers a cursory examination for drug abuse. While a cost-efficient tactic to eliminate drug use among the majority of samples, any positive screen must be corroborated to be valid in legal settings. Samples testing presumptive positive in Screening need further confirmation.
If screening is presumptively positive, additional hair from the initial sample is extracted for processing. During Extraction, substances are drawn out at a considerably lower level than other procedures (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methodologies.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS is used to confirm any positive screening outcomes. Presumptive positives are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the lab process is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair outline and accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Model, CO, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. The enhanced detection capabilities of hair testing allow for a clear and comprehensive history of substance use. Its reliability in identifying drug use with fewer false negatives makes it a superior choice for employers demanding stringent drug screening processes.
Model, CO is where hair follicle testing shines with its long detection period of up to 90 days. This extended window provides employers with a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's drug use history. It allows for more informed employment decisions based on a more extended overview of substance use.
Hair follicle testing in Model, CO minimizes the possibility of sample tampering. The nature of this testing method makes it extremely challenging to alter the sample, therefore ensuring the integrity and validity of test results. This reliability offers businesses and legal entities a more dependable solution.
Hair follicle testing in Model, CO is complemented by a network of nationwide centers, ensuring convenient and accessible testing solutions. These locations make it simple to schedule and attend tests without hassle, allowing for quick and efficient processing.
The process of hair follicle testing in Model, CO is straightforward and discreet, offering privacy to those undergoing testing. The steps from ordering to obtaining results are designed for simplicity, ensuring an anxiety-free experience while maintaining confidentiality at every stage.
With competitive pricing, hair follicle testing in Model, CO delivers exceptional value. The fast turnaround times and cost-effectiveness make it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes, ensuring that budget constraints don't hinder access to comprehensive drug screening.
The precision and rapidity of hair follicle drug tests in Model, CO stand out. These tests are acclaimed for their high accuracy and swift processing, often delivering results in a shorter time frame than traditional methods. The advanced technology used ensures any substance use is detected effectively, offering reliable insights.
Employers in Model, CO benefit from hair follicle testing's alignment with drug-free workplace policies. This method aids in maintaining a safe and compliant work environment, reducing legal liabilities and enhancing overall workforce productivity. Its use underscores a company's commitment to a safer, drug-free workplace.