Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying substance use. Hair strands create a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When removed close to the scalp, it can offer an approximately 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair samples is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, encompassing about 200 hair strands (roughly comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) taken nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both initial testing and confirmation. For EtG testing, supplements, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is advised. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be utilized. When discussing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures involved in analyzing a drug test consist of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary integration of a sample into the lab's system. Tasks include ensuring the sample's seal and appropriate shipment, assigning it a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN) randomly, and completing any supplementary data entry that's absent from an electronic chain of custody method.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for illicit substances. While Screening efficiently rules out drug consumption for most samples, a positive screening result necessitates confirmation before becoming court-admissible. Samples showing potentially positive results in Screening mandate further confirmation.
In cases where the Screening phase indicates potential positivity, additional hair from the original sample is isolated for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair in a substantially lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive outcomes from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples presumed positive undergo washing prior to confirmation where necessary. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 specifications.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests," the procedure examines the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle tests to urine tests in Sunshine, CO, the former demonstrates superior accuracy. Hair testing offers a reliable alternative due to its robustness in identifying drug use over an extended period. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis provides a clearer picture of an individual's substance use history, offering more comprehensive detection.
In Sunshine, CO, hair follicle testing provides an extended window for detecting drug use, typically up to 90 days. This method furnishes employers with a more detailed view of a person's historical substance usage, aiding in more thorough background checks and assessments.
Hair follicle tests in Sunshine, CO offer a tamper-resistant testing method. The collection process significantly lowers the risk of sample tampering, ensuring that the results are dependable and precise. These tests are vital for maintaining integrity in drug testing.
Nationwide availability, including Sunshine, CO, affords convenient access to our testing services. Accredited Drug Testing's broad network ensures swift, simple, and stress-free access, making the process seamless for clients needing reliable drug testing solutions.
Our drug testing process in Sunshine, CO is designed to be straightforward and confidential. Accredited Drug Testing handles the order, execution, and results with utmost privacy, ensuring users' concerns about confidentiality and ease are thoroughly addressed.
We offer competitive pricing and quick turnaround times on our hair follicle testing in Sunshine, CO, providing exceptional value for businesses of varying sizes. Our pricing approach ensures quality service without compromising budget constraints, fostering peace of mind.
In Sunshine, CO, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their fast and precise results. These tests offer unparalleled accuracy in identifying recent and past substance use, assisting individuals and businesses in making informed decisions. With sophisticated analysis techniques, results are obtained swiftly, ensuring no delay in key decision-making processes.
Employers in Sunshine, CO benefit from hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and fosters a safer work environment, offering peace of mind to employers while ensuring a compliant workforce.
