Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug history by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the advancing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can supply up to nearly a 3-month timeframe for the detection of alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to alter, and simple to transport.
A sample length of 1.5 inches containing approximately 200 hair strands (similar to the size of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is preferred. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is advised. If hair from the scalp is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the laboratory processing of drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory’s workflow. This comprises verifying the sample’s seal and proper shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of misuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court acceptance. Any samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If Screening suggests a sample is positive, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any screening positive result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every sample indicating presumptive positivity undergoes washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests," the examination specifically analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why choose hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in South Platte, CO? The answer lies in superior detection accuracy and reliability.
Hair tests offer a comprehensive drug use history, making them more reliable than urine testing. This makes them the preferred choice for stringent policies.
Hair follicle testing in South Platte, CO, offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This makes it invaluable for employers needing an in-depth look at an individual’s substance use over time.
This prolonged detection period ensures that employers have a clear view of an applicant or employee's drug history, aiding in better decision-making.
In South Platte, CO, hair follicle testing sets the benchmark for tamper-resistant drug testing methods. Its robustness significantly cuts down the risk of adulteration.
Hair tests provide reliable and unquestionable results, offering a dependable option for those concerned about sample integrity.
Accredited Drug Testing boasts a network of convenient testing centers nationwide, including South Platte, CO. Accessing testing services is made easy and hassle-free.
With locations everywhere, scheduling a hair follicle test is quick, ensuring you get the service you need without delay.
The hair testing process in South Platte, CO is simple yet confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step prioritizes your privacy.
This streamlined approach addresses concerns, ensuring ease of use while maintaining confidentiality throughout the entire testing process.
Our services in South Platte, CO offer competitive pricing without sacrificing quality. The fast turnaround times ensure businesses get value and results quickly.
By providing affordable testing options, companies of all sizes benefit from our cost-effective solutions, gaining peace of mind.
In South Platte, CO, hair follicle tests stand out for their impressive accuracy, swiftly identifying substance use. The precision offered by these tests is unparalleled, ensuring that results are both fast and reliable.
With hair follicle drug testing, the high accuracy ensures fewer chances of errors, providing peace of mind to both employers and individuals.
Employers in South Platte, CO can enjoy compliance and peace of mind. Hair testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies.
By using hair follicle testing, businesses mitigate legal risks and enhance workplace safety, creating a more secure environment for all.
