Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained prominence as an effective method for identifying substance and alcohol usage. Hair captures evidence of alcohol and drugs within the strands as they grow, offering a chronic record of exposure. If collected near the scalp, hair samples can offer an approximately three-month detection period for substances. It is easy to collect, resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample from the scalp, about 1.5 inches in length with roughly 200 strands of hair (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil), will provide 100mg, which is ideal for analysis. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg quantity is advisable. Ideally, use a jeweler’s scale for weighing. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a matching quantity of body hair is acceptable. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for deriving a drug test result comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the initial integration of a sample into the lab's system. It confirms that the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any extra data input absent in an electronic custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid evaluation for substance misuse. This cost-effective approach helps negate drug use in most samples, but a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are separated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumed positive samples are washed prior to Confirmation as needed. The comprehensive lab process, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, is vetted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation of ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While termed as "hair follicle tests," it's the hair strand that's analyzed, not the follicle itself beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Excels in Orchard Mesa, CO - When compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing stands out for its superior detection capabilities. While urine tests often miss recent drug use due to shorter detection windows, hair tests provide a broader, more accurate overview. This makes them a favored choice for those with stringent policies against substance use.
Long-term Drug Use Detection in Orchard Mesa, CO - One of the main advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window of up to 90 days. Employers can gain a clearer understanding of a candidate's or employee's drug use history, offering them a comprehensive view beyond the limitations of traditional testing methods.
Ensuring Integrity in Testing in Orchard Mesa, CO - The hair follicle drug test method is inherently resistant to tampering. Unlike other testing options, the nature of hair testing significantly lowers the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring results that are dependable and beyond question. This makes it an ideal choice for securing accurate substance use data.
Accessible Testing Centers in Orchard Mesa, CO - With an expansive network of testing centers, including local options in Orchard Mesa, our services offer convenience and efficiency. This widespread availability means hassle-free testing, allowing individuals and employers to access necessary services with ease.
Simple and Private Process in Orchard Mesa, CO - The process of hair follicle testing is crafted to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to collection and result reception, each step is designed to ensure ease of use while safeguarding client privacy, addressing any potential concerns effectively.
Value and Efficiency in Orchard Mesa, CO - Our competitively priced hair follicle testing services deliver quick turnaround times, offering exceptional value to businesses of all sizes. This balance of cost-effectiveness and rapid results grants companies the peace of mind to manage their testing needs without financial strain.
Speed and Precision in Orchard Mesa, CO - Hair follicle drug testing is a hallmark of accuracy and speed. With its capability to precisely detect substance use, it assures fast and reliable results that benefit employers significantly. The technology used in these tests precisely pinpoints traces of drugs, providing a trustworthy assessment of a person's substance history.
Employer Assurance and Compliance in Orchard Mesa, CO - Implementing hair follicle drug testing aids employers in aligning with drug-free workplace policies. This not only lessens legal exposure but also strengthens workplace safety, bringing peace of mind to employers committed to maintaining a safe environment.
