Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the emerging hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can deliver a detection period of up to approximately three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of around 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the perfect amount for examination and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a similar quantity of body hair may be collected. When referencing head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (beard, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The core steps in the laboratory handling of a drug test sample consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning signifies the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This involves ensuring the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial rapid examination for drugs of concern. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to negate drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive screen demands confirmation to be permissible in legal contexts. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary verification.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive in the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are derived from hair at a substantially lower concentration than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug analysis is the most intricate technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the validation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outshines Urine Testing in Snowmass Village, CO
Hair follicle tests exceed traditional urine tests in accuracy and detection reliability, particularly appealing to employers and courts. While urine tests cover recent drug use, hair testing offers a broader, more accurate substance history over months. This makes hair testing a superior choice for workplaces enforcing strict drug policies.
Comprehensive Surveillance Window in Snowmass Village, CO
Hair testing uniquely offers an extended detection window, capturing drug use up to 90 days prior. This is invaluable for employers seeking a detailed, long-term view of an employee or applicant's drug history, ensuring workplace safety and informed hiring decisions in Snowmass Village, CO.
Secure Testing in Snowmass Village, CO
The hair follicle method significantly minimizes chances of sample tampering, ensuring authentic, indisputable test outcomes. This contrasts sharply with urine tests, where sample adulteration is more probable, making hair testing the more reliable choice.
Easily Accessible Testing Services in Snowmass Village, CO
Accredited Drug Testing offers a network of convenient testing centers nationwide, including local access in Snowmass Village, CO. These centers ensure quick and hassle-free testing, allowing employers and individuals seamless access to hair follicle drug screening services.
Streamlined and Confidential Testing in Snowmass Village, CO
Our hair follicle testing process in Snowmass Village, CO, is straightforward and discreet. From ordering to results retrieval, we prioritize user privacy and simplicity, ensuring a smooth and secure testing experience that addresses the privacy concerns of all our clients.
Value and Efficiency in Drug Testing in Snowmass Village, CO
We offer competitive pricing combined with fast turnaround times, bringing excellent value to companies of all sizes in Snowmass Village, CO. Our cost-effective hair follicle tests ensure superior results, providing companies the peace of mind needed for workforce substance compliance.
Fast, Precise, and Reliable Screening in Snowmass Village, CO
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision, offering rapid and highly accurate substance detection. This method is favored in Snowmass Village, CO due to its ability to deliver quick and reliable evaluation results, helping institutions maintain safety and compliance effectively.
Ensuring Workplace Drug Policy Compliance in Snowmass Village, CO
Utilizing hair follicle tests facilitates adherence to workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks and enhancing safety. This method provides employers peace of mind by delivering comprehensive substance use profiles, helping maintain a safe and compliant work environment.
