Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can record a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by incorporating biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can provide up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drug usage. The collection process is straightforward, the potential for tampering is minimal, and it is convenient to transport.
Gathering a 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp results in 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for both screening and confirming results. For EtG, additional panels, or tests extending beyond 10 panels, 150mg is the suggested amount. It's advisable to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be provided, a similar volume of body hair is permissible. When the term head hair is used, it specifically means scalp hair alone. Body hair encompasses any other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for producing a drug test outcome consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the sample's initial induction into the lab system. This step includes ensuring the sample's seal and shipping are intact, assigning a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN) at random, and executing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening performs an initial expedited drug abuse check. Although Screening is efficient for dismissing drug use in most cases, any positive result in Screening must be validated to be court-admissible. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration compared to methods like urine or oral fluid, which explains why hair drug screening is considered the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review following the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the assessment actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing stands out in Silver Plume, CO for its superior detection window compared to traditional urine tests. Offering a thorough look at an individual's substance history for up to 90 days back, hair testing surpasses urine tests, which typically detect drug use for only a few days. The enhanced accuracy and reliability provide peace of mind to employers seeking a more detailed insight into substance use.
Boasting an extended detection period of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Silver Plume, CO is unmatched in offering a detailed review of an individual's drug consumption history. This longer window gives employers a comprehensive understanding of a potential or current employee's behavior over months, rather than the shorter periods covered by alternate testing methods.
Hair follicle drug tests in Silver Plume, CO are notably tamper-resistant, drastically reducing the likelihood of sample manipulation seen in other testing methods. By utilizing samples that can't be easily altered and collected in a supervised setting, these tests offer reliable and unquestionable outcomes, reassuring all involved parties of their integrity.
Convenience is key, with our nationwide testing centers offering access to drug testing in Silver Plume, CO. Whether local or traveling, individuals benefit from easy and hassle-free services, ensuring they can complete necessary testing without unnecessary delays, always providing a smooth experience.
The hair follicle testing process in Silver Plume, CO is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes user ease and privacy. This straightforward approach ensures participants feel secure, knowing their personal information is protected at all times, while obtaining the answers they need.
With competitive pricing, the hair follicle drug tests in Silver Plume, CO provide excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Coupled with fast turnaround times, these cost-effective solutions ensure companies receive prompt results without breaking the bank, enabling them to maintain budgetary and operational efficiency.
Speed and precision are hallmarks of hair follicle drug tests in Silver Plume, CO. Designed to provide accurate results swiftly, these tests are proficient in identifying recent drug use reliably. With a streamlined analysis process, hair follicle tests ensure that results are not only reliable but also delivered promptly, minimizing any waiting periods for those requiring immediate answers.
Ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace regulations is crucial for employers in Silver Plume, CO. Hair follicle tests offer peace of mind by providing an effective screening method that reduces legal risks and bolsters workplace safety. Employers can confidently adhere to policies knowing they are using a dependable and thorough testing process.