Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a highly effective method for the detection of drug and alcohol usage. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand, hair provides a prolonged history of alcohol and other drugs. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can offer up to a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be taken. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The main stages of a drug test’s laboratory processing are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is processed into the lab's system. This process includes validating that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screening result must be verified to be considered valid in court. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening require an additional confirmation.
When a sample is presumptively positive at Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging procedure to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods confirm any positive screening outcome. All samples with a presumptive positive result are washed as necessary before confirmation. The comprehensive laboratory workflow, ranging from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The test, often called "hair follicle tests," actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in State Bridge, CO
Hair follicle testing offers superior accuracy over traditional urine tests. With its extended detection capabilities, accurate outcomes, and increased reliability, hair testing outmatches urine tests, especially in identifying long-term substance use, giving clearer insights into individual habits.
Extended Detection Window in State Bridge, CO
Employers benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This thorough screening provides a comprehensive view of an individual’s drug use history, crucial for informed decisions in hiring or ongoing assessments, contributing to a transparent workplace environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in State Bridge, CO
The robustness of hair follicle tests significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering. By ensuring the integrity of samples, it delivers unquestionable and reliable results, making it a preferred choice for organizations keen on maintaining stringent testing protocols to deter deception.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in State Bridge, CO
Our extensive network of nationwide testing centers ensures ease and accessibility for individuals and businesses alike. In State Bridge, CO, clients benefit from prompt and hassle-free testing services, making the process of drug screening convenient and efficient.
Simple, Confidential Process in State Bridge, CO
The hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential, designed to respect privacy while providing ease of use. From ordering to obtaining results, every step is streamlined to deliver a smooth experience, addressing any concerns related to privacy and ease.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in State Bridge, CO
Our competitive pricing coupled with fast turnaround times presents excellent value for companies of all sizes. Whether large or small, businesses can confidently rely on our services for cost-effective, efficient drug testing, ensuring top-quality outcomes promptly.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in State Bridge, CO
Hair follicle testing provides swift and precise results, essential for detecting substance use effectively. Compared to other methods, it boasts unmatched accuracy, ensuring reliable outcomes rapidly. Organizations rely on this method in State Bridge to maintain high standards and trustworthiness in their testing procedures.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in State Bridge, CO
Adopting hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, enhancing compliance and reducing legal risks. This method fosters a secure work environment, offering employers peace of mind and contributing to the overall safety and well-being of their workforce.
