Accredited Drug Testing provides thorough hair follicle drug screening in St. Charles Mesa, Colorado. If a hair drug or alcohol test is required, Accredited Drug Testing is a leader in hair-based testing and we operate centers across all U.S. cities capable of carrying out hair assessments. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body can be used. Hair tests can screen for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other personalized testing configurations.
Over the years, hair follicle drug testing has become a more prevalent method for drug screenings. Businesses, legal systems, and Substance Abuse experts often mandate hair-based tests instead of traditional urine analysis. Employers enforcing strict anti-drug policies, the judiciary, and those on probation use hair follicle tests. The primary advantage is its extended drug detection window, usually up to 90 days, with an effectively supervised collection that is highly tamper-proof. Yet, for drug use detection within five days, urine tests remain the most precise.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for uncovering drug and alcohol use. By encasing biomarkers within the structure of growing hair fibers, hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug exposure. When sourced near the scalp, hair offers an approximate three-month detection duration for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair samples is straightforward, they resist tampering, and are easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample comprising roughly 200 strands—comparable in size to a #2 pencil—yields 100mg of hair, which is the prime sample size for screening and validation. For EtG assessments, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. Should scalp hair be insufficient, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be obtained. Head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Procedure Summary
The core stages in laboratory processing for producing a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the primary operation of incorporating a sample into a lab's system. This process ensures that the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, randomly assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any additional data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for substance misuse. Though Screening is an economical method for dismissing drug usage across most samples, any positive reading must be verified for courtroom acceptance. Samples yielding a presumptively positive result during Screening necessitate further validation.
When Screening suggests a sample is presumptively positive, extra hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. This phase extracts drugs from hair in much lower concentrations than alternative approaches (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is completed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as warranted. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in St. Charles Mesa, CO
Hair follicle tests outshine traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide a longer detection window, delivering a more comprehensive drug use history without the setbacks of diluted samples.
Extended Detection Window in St. Charles Mesa, CO
One prominent benefit of hair follicle testing is its ability to trace drug use over up to 90 days. This extended detection window allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use, far surpassing the capacity of urine tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in St. Charles Mesa, CO
Hair follicle tests are designed to drastically cut down the chances of sample tampering. Through direct and observed collection methods, these tests ensure reliable results, safeguarding against adulterated samples.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in St. Charles Mesa, CO
With our vast network of testing centers, access to testing services is both quick and hassle-free. Whether nationwide or in St. Charles Mesa, the convenience of testing at numerous locations makes this process seamless for all involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in St. Charles Mesa, CO
The process for hair follicle testing is both straightforward and confidential. From placing an order to sample collection and receiving results, it addresses privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use throughout the evaluation.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in St. Charles Mesa, CO
Our competitive pricing along with swift turnaround times delivers excellent value. Catering to companies of varying sizes, hair follicle tests offer budget-friendly options that do not compromise on speed or quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in St. Charles Mesa, CO
Hair follicle drug tests offer exceptional precision and swiftness in identifying substance use. Due to advanced technology, results are both fast and incredibly accurate, providing a reliable tool for detecting long-term substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in St. Charles Mesa, CO
Implementing hair follicle testing in the workplace ensures adherence to drug-free policies, minimizing legal liabilities, and boosting workplace safety. This testing method provides employers with peace of mind, knowing they are upholding regulatory standards.
