Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands offer a prolonged overview of substance use by embedding biomarkers in their fibers. When clipped near the scalp, they can indicate drug and alcohol presence for up to about 90 days. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp provides about 100mg, the essential sample size for preliminary and follow-up testing. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair is usable. By 'head hair', we specifically mean scalp hair only. 'Body hair' encompasses all other types of hair (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The core phases in lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a lab’s database. This encompasses confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing all further data inputs not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary swift examination for substance abuse. While it’s a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage for the majority of samples, a positive result in Screening requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. All samples that appear positive during Screening need additional verification.
If a sample appears positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample and processed for Extraction. Here, substances are isolated from hair at notably lower levels than in other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug analysis is one of the most complex techniques to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing if necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing eclipses urine tests in Pritchett, CO due to its superior detection abilities and reliability. While traditional urine tests might detect recent use, hair testing traces drug use over a longer period, making it harder to evade. This method is hence preferred by employers and legal bodies that prioritize accurate and comprehensive drug history checks.
The extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing in Pritchett, CO spans up to 90 days, an advantage over conventional methods. This wide timeframe enables employers to acquire a detailed understanding of a person's substance use history, crucial for making informed hiring decisions and ensuring workplace safety.
Hair follicle tests in Pritchett, CO provide a tamper-resistant solution, minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. The test's robust design ensures that results are trustworthy and definitive, affording users peace of mind when need arises to verify an individual's substance intake history.
Our national network of testing centers, including local facilities in Pritchett, CO, renders the testing process both convenient and efficient. Whether you're nearby or across the country, our extensive locations ensure quick and easy access to testing services, simplifying the procedures for our clients.
The hair follicle testing process in Pritchett, CO is straightforward and confidential. Clients can effortlessly order, execute the test, and receive results whilst assured of their privacy. This seamless process addresses concerns about ease and confidentiality, making it an attractive option for individuals and businesses alike.
Affordable pricing and fast turnaround times characterize hair follicle testing in Pritchett, CO, offering exceptional value. Our competitive pricing structures enable companies of all sizes to avail themselves of superior service without financial strain. This, coupled with swift results, makes it a popular choice.
In Pritchett, CO, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched speed and precision, pinpointing substance use with high accuracy. These tests stand out for their quick turnaround time, ensuring you receive reliable results expediently. The method's accuracy instills confidence in individuals and employers alike, as it delivers results they can trust, minimizing doubts about substance use patterns.
Employers in Pritchett, CO can enjoy compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing, aligning with drug-free workplace policies. This approach reduces legal risks and fortifies workplace safety, providing an additional layer of assurance for business operations and enhancing the overall work environment.
