Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol presence. The hair can retain historical data of substances by embedding biomarkers within its growing strands. Collected near the scalp, it offers an alcohol and drug detection capacity of up to roughly 3 months. The collection process is straightforward, resisting manipulation, and is simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of approximately 200 strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg, which is the ideal amount for testing. For EtG, additions, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler's scale is suggested for weighing the sample. In cases where scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. The term head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses facial, axillary, and other types.
Process Overview
The four primary steps in the lab processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample enters the lab’s system. It includes checking the sample's seal and shipping condition, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any manual data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation for drug presence. Although Screening is an economical way to eliminate drug use in most cases, a positive result here needs confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples that test positively in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
Should a sample test positive initially, more of the hair from the original sample is used for the Extraction process. Drugs are retrieved from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation of initially positive screening results is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation as per requirement. The lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why is hair follicle testing more effective than urine tests in Red Cliff, CO? The answer lies in its ability to detect long-term substance use more accurately.
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing boasts higher durability of results and is less prone to manipulation, making it the dominant choice for institutions demanding rigorous and clear testing standards.
Hair follicle testing provides an expansive detection window, capable of revealing substance use up to 90 days prior.
This offers employers in Red Cliff, CO, a holistic view of an individual's substance history and fosters better-informed decision-making.
Hair follicle tests in Red Cliff, CO, are highly resistant to tampering, ensuring a trustworthy examination process.
Compared to other methods, the risk of adulterating samples is minimized, assuring reliable and credible outcomes.
With conveniently located testing centers in Red Cliff, CO, and Nationwide, Accredited Drug Testing ensures accessible testing services.
Our strategically placed facilities offer straightforward and hassle-free access, accommodating both locals and those from surrounding regions.
In Red Cliff, CO, our hair follicle drug testing process is designed to be both simple and confidential.
Clients can effortlessly order tests, with a guarantee of privacy and ease throughout the process, as quickly as possible.
Our services in Red Cliff, CO, offer competitive pricing structures with quick turnaround times.
Accredited Drug Testing provides excellent value, ensuring peace of mind for businesses of varying sizes.
In Red Cliff, CO, the effectiveness and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. Their precision in detecting substance use goes far beyond traditional methods.
The rapidity with which results are produced without compromising accuracy makes this an appealing choice for both individuals and businesses seeking reliable testing solutions.
Employers in Red Cliff, CO, find peace of mind and compliance assurance through hair follicle testing.
This method aids in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, diminishing legal complications, and elevating workplace safety standards.
