Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Sterling, CO

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly acknowledged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When clipped near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use over an interval of up to three months. The collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A sample of hair measuring 1.5 inches and comprising about 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) provides approximately 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests beyond ten panels, a sample weight of 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair may be utilized. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

There are four critical stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample is processed into the laboratory's system. This phase includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening encompasses an initial swift assessment for drugs of abuse. It's a cost-efficient approach to dismiss drug use for most samples; however, to be court-admissible, a positive screen must be confirmed. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.

In cases of presumptive positivity during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is considered the most challenging technique.

Confirmation of any positive screen results is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory process is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage for up to 90 days, as opposed to urine tests which have a shorter detection duration.
• Difficulty to cheat: Cheating a hair drug test is exceedingly challenging, ensuring more accurate results.
• Provides historical data: It reveals a drug use pattern over time, unlike tests that only detect recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Detection of drugs in hair takes around 5-7 days.
• Cost: Generally, hair drug tests are more costly than other methods.
• Variations in results: Factors like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although sometimes termed "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Sterling, CO
When comparing methods, hair follicle testing far surpasses urine tests in detection accuracy and reliability. Its extended detection period offers a broader insight into an individual's drug use—up to 90 days—unlike urine tests which are limited to shorter detection windows.

Employers find confidence in the reliable outcomes from hair testing. Its resistance to adulteration and misrepresentation ensures honest results. Thus, while traditional urine tests serve a purpose for recent detection, hair tests provide a comprehensive overview.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Sterling, CO
One of the greatest strengths of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period—up to 90 days. This coverage provides employers with an expansive view to understand an employee’s substance history, offering insights beyond what urine tests reveal.

The longer window creates a significant advantage in monitoring long-term substance use, facilitating informed decisions regarding potential hires or current staff. Such testing solutions help ensure a drug-free workplace, enhancing overall safety.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Sterling, CO
Hair follicle testing is designed to resist manipulation. Unlike other testing approaches, tampering with hair samples proves exceedingly difficult, making it a reliable option for employers seeking credible outcomes.

Such rigorous examination methods ensure that the results cannot easily be falsified. This robustness brings certainty to the process, ensuring peace of mind for firms wanting dependable and unquestionable testing results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Sterling, CO
Accredited Drug Testing ensures easy and accessible services with testing centers nationwide and locally within Sterling, CO. Such convenience means easy, hassle-free testing accordance anywhere across the country.

No matter where you are, quick access to testing centers ensures employers and individuals experience swift, reliable service. With such comprehensive reach, scheduling and testing are seamless and straightforward.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Sterling, CO
Understanding the significance of privacy, our testing procedure is designed to be both simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving test results protect the participant’s privacy at each stage.

This confidence in confidentiality assures individuals throughout the process, ensuring ease of use and maintaining the integrity of sensitive information from start to finish. Both participants and companies gain peace of mind with our services.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Sterling, CO
Committed to offering value, Accredited Drug Testing delivers competitive pricing paired with swift turnaround times. Our comprehensive services remain accessible to companies of all sizes, guaranteeing quality without breaking budgets.

Emphasizing efficiency, our prompt delivery of test results reinforces reliability. Whether for small businesses or large corporations, this combination ensures both peace of mind and excellent investment in drug testing.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Sterling, CO
The precision and speed of hair follicle testing stand unmatched. Delivering high accuracy, these tests efficiently detect substance use. Their ability to identify traces of drugs provides confidence in the results, making them a preferred choice for many.

With Accredited Drug Testing, you get rapid turnarounds and dependable findings. It’s reassuring for employers and individuals seeking trusted results. Trust comes from knowing these tests are indisputably reliable.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Sterling, CO
Utilizing hair testing aids compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By embracing this method, employers mitigate legal risks and boost workplace safety, as robust testing supports rules enforcement.

The streamlined process presents a straightforward path to uphold organization standards confidently. By reducing potential legal challenges, employers safeguard their businesses against the implications of non-compliance and substance abuse.

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