Hair Follicle Drug Testing - South Fork, CO

Employment, DOT, Court Ordered, Personal
Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG

7 Hair Drug Testing Centers in South Fork

Minutes Away, Test Today

459 Lewis St34.51 miles

459 Lewis St
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

95 S Pagosa Blvd38.04 miles

95 S Pagosa Blvd
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

Po Box 639 19021 Us Hwy 28538.20 miles

Po Box 639 19021 Us Hwy 285
La Jara, CO 81140

6750 Cramer Rd41.67 miles

6750 Cramer Rd
Alamosa, CO 81101

2115 Stuart Ave43.29 miles

2115 Stuart Ave
Alamosa, CO 81101

106 Blanca Ave43.60 miles

106 Blanca Ave
Alamosa, CO 81101

2329 Lava Ln44.88 miles

2329 Lava Ln
Alamosa, CO 81101

Employment, Court Ordered, Probation, Family

Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle substance testing in South Fork, Colorado. If you're in need of a drug or alcohol assessment using hair, Accredited Drug Testing excels in this area, with test facilities available nationwide, capable of conducting hair analyses. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or elsewhere on the body can be used. Hair assessments can be configured for substances, alcohol/ETG, or various other specific testing needs.

In recent times, hair follicle drug evaluations have become more prevalent. Increasingly, employers, judicial systems, and substance rehabilitation experts prefer hair testing over traditional urine assessments. Hair tests serve organizations enforcing strict no-drug policies, courts, and probationary individuals. A key advantage of these tests is their extended detection window—up to 90 days—combined with observed collection, rendering them almost foolproof. However, for detecting very recent drug use within 5 days, urine tests remain more precise.

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by holding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When obtained from near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hairs (resembling a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or analyses over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of drug test results consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the initial handling of a sample into a laboratory system. This step includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning it an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry lacking from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of a preliminary rapid check for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be permissible in legal proceedings. Any samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening indeed require a subsequent confirmation.

If a sample shows a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is gathered from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug testing the most intricate methodology to perform.

Confirmation of any positive screening finding is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

  • Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a limited detection period.
  • High resistance to manipulation: It is extremely challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, making the results more reliable.
  • Offers historical insights: It delivers a pattern of drug use over time, rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

  • Incapable of spotting recent use: It requires around 5-7 days for drugs to be noticeable in hair.
  • Expense: Hair drug tests generally entail a higher cost compared to other drug testing approaches.
  • Inconsistencies in outcomes: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in South Fork, CO
The precision of hair testing stands out compared to traditional urine tests. Hair follicle tests improve detection accuracy and reliability. Employers and organizations find hair tests particularly advantageous as they reveal usage over months, unlike urine tests detecting shorter time spans. Removing the chance for sample substitution further ensures trustworthy outcomes.

In settings where drug-free policies are crucial, hair tests outperform urine options by offering a more comprehensive substance use history. Opting for hair analysis equips decision-makers with the tools needed to uphold workplace standards efficiently.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair follicle testing offers a sustained drug use overview, usually spanning up to 90 days. In South Fork, CO, this type of testing equips employers with significant insights into an individual's substance history, making it a powerful tool for assessing the long-term behavior of applicants and employees.

This broader detection timeline emphasizes the enduring effects of drug use and provides an accurate picture of one's drug habits over an extended duration. Employers gain a more comprehensive viewpoint, leading to well-informed management decisions related to workforce integrity.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In South Fork, CO, tamper-resistant testing provided by hair follicle analysis mitigates the risk of sample manipulation. Traditional urine tests often present opportunities for adulteration, while hair testing offers steadfast reliability with clear, unquestionable results.

The observed collection process in hair testing ensures authenticity and transparency. The difficulty in altering hair samples provides an additional layer of protection, reinforcing the credibility of test outcomes, crucial for stringent workplace policies.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

The convenience of nationwide testing facilities, including those in South Fork, CO, ensures quick access to necessary services. Clients enjoy hassle-free approaches to testing, with localized centers in South Fork catering efficiently to diverse testing needs.

Having easily accessible sites nationwide meets the increasing demand for tests across industries. This extensive network allows individuals to conduct testing with minimal disruption, translating into timely and organized accesses to Accredited Drug Testing's competent services.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in South Fork, CO
The hair follicle testing process is designed for simplicity and privacy, making it straightforward for users. From ordering to obtaining results, our method ensures ease while safeguarding confidentiality. Clients concerned with privacy can trust our secure handling of their information.

With a customer-focused approach, the entire testing sequence, from start to finish, is streamlined and user-friendly. This level of service ensures individuals receive the information they need without compromising discretion.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, providing value for businesses of all sizes. In South Fork, CO, affordable hair follicle testing helps organizations maintain a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality or speed.

This cost-effective approach allows clients to obtain reliable results efficiently. Our streamlined processes ensure quick deliveries, reinforcing client trust and satisfaction through economically viable choices.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In South Fork, CO, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results, ensuring that substance use is precisely detected. Their ability to offer high precision in determining recent and past drug use makes them a preferred choice over traditional methods. Clients benefit from confidence in results, which are swiftly processed without compromising on accuracy.

State-of-the-art technology powers the hair follicle test, delivering exact results quickly. This level of accuracy enables employers to make informed decisions regarding hiring and workplace safety. Quick turnaround times ensure that individuals and companies receive important substance use data efficiently.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in South Fork, CO
Employers choosing hair follicle testing in South Fork enjoy peace of mind, knowing their policies on drug use are effectively enforced. Hair testing aligns well with compliance standards and supports maintaining a drug-free work environment, reducing potential legal liabilities.

Implementing hair tests boosts safety and productivity, providing a trusted method for enforcing standards. Ongoing compliance results in fewer incidents and fosters a healthy work culture, contributing to the overall well-being of the enterprise.

What's New In Hair Follicle Drug Testing according to the Hair Drug Testing Experts

With its multidisciplinary nature, hair testing brings together researchers, scientists, and experts from various domains to develop innovative techniques, explore new methodologies, and address emerging concerns, responding to the ever-evolving challenges of drug abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring, and environmental exposures to pollutants.

The joint meeting of the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) and the Italian Group of Forensic Toxicologists (GTFI) was organized in Verona, June 8–10, 2022, and hosted by the Legal Medicine team of the Verona University Hospital, directed by Franco Tagliaro together with Federica Bortolotti and Rossella Gottardo.

It served as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, facilitating groundbreaking advancements in hair testing and analysis. In this special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, we aim to showcase the remarkable manuscripts presented at this significant event, shedding light on the latest research and highlighting the future directions in this field.

Novel Analytical Techniques: The Verona meeting witnessed the unveiling of cutting-edge analytical techniques, offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy for drug testing. Remarkable advancements in sample preparation, detection, and identification of drug compounds have been presented. The manuscripts in this section presented novel approaches, such as multianalyte methods and on-line preparation which can enable rapid analysis and improve thorough forensic investigations.

Biomarkers and Pharmacokinetics: The identification and validation of reliable biomarkers and pharmacokinetic studies are fundamental aspects of drug testing and analysis. The impact of hair treatments on the oxidation/decomposition of drugs in hair was also explored, as the long-term fate of drugs incorporated in the keratin matrix. Furthermore, the SoHT meeting in Verona featured research on the identification and quantification of alcohol abuse biomarkers, their stability, and their correlation with exposure and other biomarkers.

Forensic Applications and Interpretation: One of the vital objectives of hair testing is its application in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. The SoHT meeting in Verona emphasized the significance of rigorous interpretation of analytical results and the need for standardized protocols. Manuscripts in this section present advancements in forensic toxicology, and have explored the challenges posed by emerging designer drugs and strategies to combat their proliferation. The pitfalls encountered when the exogenous/endogenous nature of a substance is questioned were presented and discussed. The special issue presents also manuscripts that delve into the ethical implications of drug testing in drug facilitated sexual assaults.

Clinical Applications of hair testing are witnessed by the insight on environmental tobacco smoke exposure, assessed by hair analysis in a population of students and the study of in utero-exposure to drugs of abuse through neonatal hair analysis. Exposure to drugs was also important in cases of child abuse/neglect, when the clinical purpose of hair testing merge with its forensic applications.

The legal framework surrounding hair testing and the achievement of guidelines to ensure fairness, accuracy, and confidentiality in drug testing practices have also been discussed,and the SoHT consensus on general hair testing and testing for drugs of abuse was presented at the meeting and published as a Letter to the Editor.

In conclusion, the special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, featuring manuscripts from the SoHT–GTFI meeting in Verona 2022, reflects the remarkable advancements achieved in this field. The manuscripts provide valuable insights into novel analytical techniques, biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, forensic applications, and ethical considerations. As we embrace these advancements, we pave the way for a safer, healthier society, where drug testing and analysis serve as powerful tools in protecting public health and maintaining integrity in various sectors. The research presented in this special issue will undoubtedly shape the future of drug testing and analysis, fostering collaboration and inspiring further innovation in this crucial area of scientific inquiry.


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Frequently Asked Questions

A hair follicle drug test analyzes a small sample of hair to detect a history of drug use over time. Because drug metabolites are incorporated into hair as it grows, this method can show patterns of use instead of just recent exposure. It is frequently used for legal and court requirements, long-term monitoring, and high-trust workforce screening.
Standard hair drug testing typically reflects drug use over approximately a 90-day period, based on the length of hair collected at the time of testing. Longer hair can sometimes reflect a longer time frame, and extremely short hair can reduce that window.
Hair drug testing commonly screens for marijuana/THC, cocaine, opiates/opioids, amphetamines/methamphetamines, and PCP. In many cases, additional expanded panels may be requested to include other substances.
Yes. If the donor's head hair is too short or unavailable, body hair may be collected as an alternative. The collector will document the source of the sample. This allows testing even for individuals with recently cut or shaved head hair.
Yes. Hair drug testing is commonly used in court, probation, custody, and compliance matters because the collection process follows a documented chain of custody and the analysis is performed by a certified laboratory. Results are provided in a form that can be reviewed by legal and administrative authorities.
Yes. Individuals, parents, attorneys, employers, and probation programs can all request hair drug testing. A doctor's order is not required. Results are confidential and released only to the authorized requesting party.
Hair testing provides a longer look-back period than urine testing, making it useful when you need to demonstrate ongoing abstinence or identify repeated/recent substance use patterns over time rather than just recent exposure. It is frequently selected for legal, compliance, and custody-related documentation.
A small section of hair is cut by a trained collector in a discreet, controlled manner. The sample is sealed, documented, and sent to the laboratory under established chain-of-custody procedures so that the results can be defended if they are ever challenged.

Customer Reviews

Sweet and helpful

Trish was amazing and got me through the sytem very fast and swift. I had a hard time hearing her a couple of times, but she was super sweet and helpful throughout the process. Highly recommend her!

Sophia Schutze - 6/19/2024

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Quick, knowledgeable and courteous Janelle worked diligently to support me. I am recommending their services to anyone looking.

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Trish last week and Tatiana this week, very fun and easy folks to deal with. Well be using them more and more in the future.

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