Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing emerges as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a prolonged history of substance intake by embedding biomarkers in the hair strand's fibers. When collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection timeframe of up to about three months for alcohol and other drugs. It is easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation stages. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. It's suggested to measure the specimen's weight using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the stage where a sample is initially processed into the lab’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry that's not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary, rapid check for drug abuse substances. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be court-acceptable. Samples with a presumptive positive result from Screening undergo a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening as a testing methodology.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if required. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle located beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Outperforms Urine Tests in Rocky Ford, CO
Hair follicle testing offers superior detection and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. Notably, its longer detection window in Rocky Ford, CO, means drug use from months prior can be unearthed, unlike the limited scope of urine tests that capture recent usage. This comprehensive insight makes hair testing a preferred choice for thorough screening.
Extended Detection Window in Rocky Ford, CO
Hair follicle testing surpasses other methods with its extensive detection period, stretching up to 90 days. In Rocky Ford, CO, this prolonged window grants employers a detailed understanding of an individual's drug history, well beyond the few days most tests cover. Such information proves invaluable in maintaining a substance-free environment.
Secured Testing in Rocky Ford, CO
Hair follicle testing in Rocky Ford, CO significantly diminishes the likelihood of sample tampering. As an unassailable screening method, it ensures the integrity of results, delivering trustworthy outcomes. The resilient nature of hair samples shields against widespread adulteration tactics, reinforcing result validity.
Widespread Access in Rocky Ford, CO
Our testing locations offer convenient access throughout Rocky Ford, CO, and nationwide. Employers and individuals can rely on a seamless experience, with testing centers easily accessible for quick and hassle-free drug screening services. This wide network ensures immediate testing availability.
Effortless and Confidential Screening in Rocky Ford, CO
The hair follicle testing procedure in Rocky Ford, CO is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering the test to receiving results, the process prioritizes user privacy and ease. Clear instructions guide each step, ensuring a smooth experience devoid of complexity or privacy concerns.
Value-Driven and Timely Results in Rocky Ford, CO
Competitive pricing paired with rapid turnaround makes our hair follicle testing services in Rocky Ford, CO appealing to businesses of all scales. Cost-effective solutions ensure outstanding value, offering swift result delivery that meets or surpasses expectations, thus supporting employer needs efficiently.
Rapid and Accurate in Rocky Ford, CO
Hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their speed and precision throughout Rocky Ford, CO. These tests provide swift results while maintaining high accuracy, ensuring any past substance use is consistently detected. Time efficiency is matched with reliability, reassuring employers of their decision to opt for hair follicle testing.
Assurance and Compliance for Employers in Rocky Ford, CO
Implementing hair follicle testing in Rocky Ford, CO assures adherence to workplace drug policies. By reducing legal liabilities and enhancing safety, this method provides employers peace of mind, knowing compliance is met with credible testing procedures, promoting a secure workplace environment.
