Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows, hair offers an extensive timeline for drugs and alcohol. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol intake for as long as a 3-month period. Collection of hair is straightforward, fairly hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches containing approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil thickness) closest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair not be accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be utilized. When we mention head hair, it solely pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (beard, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The core stages in the laboratory processing for drug testing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial processing step, integrating the sample into a laboratory's workflow. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN) randomly, and inputs any additional information absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid analysis for potential drug use. Although Screening is an economical method to rule out drug presence in most samples, confirmation is necessary for a legal context. Samples suggesting a positive result in Screening require further verification.
When a sample is indicated as potentially positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original collection to prepare for Extraction. In this phase, drug elements are isolated from hair at concentrations significantly lower than in alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), contributing to why hair testing is the most intricate method to execute.
Verification of any positive Screening results is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Any samples assumed to be positive undergo a washing step before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation along with accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the evaluation actually examines the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Ninaview, CO demonstrates clear advantages over traditional urine tests. It offers greater accuracy and reliability in detecting substances. Unlike urine tests, hair tests boast superior detection windows, making them the preferred choice for employers and substance abuse professionals.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Ninaview, CO, allows identification of drug use for up to 90 days. This extended period grants employers a detailed insight into an individual's substance use history, which is crucial for accurate assessments of applicants and employees.
Hair follicle testing in Ninaview, CO offers a tamper-resistant method that minimizes risks of sample adulteration. The hair tests provide reliable and unquestionable results, setting them apart from other testing methods that are more susceptible to manipulation.
With numerous nationwide testing centers, including local facilities in Ninaview, CO, getting a hair follicle test is easy. The convenience of accessible locations ensures that testing services are quick and hassle-free, meeting the needs of individuals and employers alike.
The process for hair follicle testing in Ninaview, CO is simple and confidential. The steps for ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are designed with privacy and ease in mind, addressing any concerns individuals may have about the process.
Offering competitive pricing and a swift turnaround, hair follicle testing in Ninaview, CO provides excellent value. The rapid and cost-effective services ensure peace of mind for businesses of all sizes, meeting diverse needs with affordability.
In Ninaview, CO, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and precision. They provide highly accurate detection of substance use, ensuring that results are both fast and reliable. Clients can trust the accuracy of their outcomes, knowing that the detection capabilities are unparalleled in identifying drug use.
Ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies, hair follicle testing in Ninaview, CO gives employers peace of mind. It lowers legal risks and boosts workplace safety, making it an essential component for maintaining a safe work environment.
