Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Swink, CO

Employment, DOT, Court Ordered, Personal
Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG

3 Hair Drug Testing Centers in Swink

Minutes Away, Test Today

302 Barnes Ave4.51 miles

302 Barnes Ave
La Junta, CO 81050

1100 Carson Ave5.02 miles

1100 Carson Ave
La Junta, CO 81050

1014 Elm Ave6.19 miles

1014 Elm Ave
Rocky Ford, CO 81067

Employment, Court Ordered, Probation, Family

In Swink, Colorado, Accredited Drug Testing offers thorough hair follicle drug screening. Whether the need is for drug or alcohol detection, our expertise in hair testing spans across numerous Nationwide facilities. A sample usually requires 1.5 to 2 inches of hair, either from the scalp or body. Our hair analyses can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be tailored to specific testing objectives.

The trend in drug screening has increasingly leaned towards hair follicle tests. Many employers, judicial bodies, and substance abuse professionals now prefer hair testing over urine testing. Hair follicle tests serve industries with strict no-drug policies, courts, and individuals on probation. The advantage of hair tests is their longer detection window, often up to 90 days, collected in a supervised setting, and being nearly foolproof. For detecting recent drug use within 5 days, urine tests remain the most precise.

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline for alcohol and drug history by capturing markers in the fibers of the growing hair strand. When sampled near the scalp, hair can provide up to a three-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch piece consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair may be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we refer only to scalp hair. Body hair refers to any other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step includes confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples that are potentially positive in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.

If Screening indicates a potential positive, additional hair is retrieved from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. At this point, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleaned before confirmation as needed. The full lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

  • Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection period.
  • Difficult to falsify: It's extremely hard to manipulate a hair drug test, ensuring more precise results.
  • Offers historical insight: It can reveal a usage pattern of drugs over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

  • Does not detect recent use: Drugs take around 5-7 days to become noticeable in hair.
  • Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other drug testing techniques.
  • Result variations: Factors like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually assesses the hair strand and not the underlying hair follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Swink, CO
In Swink, CO, hair follicle testing triumphs over urine tests by offering extended detection times and unmatched reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair analyses provide superior accuracy and durability, making them a preferred choice in robust drug detection frameworks.

  • Longer detection periods
  • Enhanced reliability
  • Precise identification

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Swink, CO
Hair follicle testing in Swink, CO, allows for substantial scrutiny by capturing drug use history up to 90 days prior. This gives employers a comprehensive view of an employee’s or applicant’s substance history, unattainable through shorter-span urine tests.

  • 90-day detection period
  • Comprehensive insights
  • Long-lasting evidence

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Swink, CO
In Swink, CO, hair follicle tests significantly lower the risk of tampering. The integrity of the sample is maintained, offering reliable results free from manipulation. This approach ensures that the testing process is secure and credible.

  • Reduced adulteration risk
  • Unquestionable results
  • Secure testing process

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Swink, CO
For quick and easy access, Swink, CO offers the advantage of local and nationwide testing centers. This network facilitates a seamless testing experience, making the process straightforward and hassle-free for everyone involved.

  • Quick access
  • Easy process
  • Nationwide availability

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Swink, CO
Our process is straightforward and ensures confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns with ease. In Swink, CO, you can order, take, and receive test results effortlessly, guaranteeing a user-friendly and discreet experience.

  • Simple procedure
  • Confidential handling
  • Privacy assurance

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Swink, CO
We offer competitive pricing with quick result turnarounds in Swink, CO, delivering excellent value without compromising service quality. This approach supports businesses of all sizes by ensuring budget-friendly yet efficient drug testing solutions.

  • Competitive pricing
  • Quick turnarounds
  • Excellent value

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Swink, CO
The swiftness and precision of hair follicle tests are unmatched. In Swink, CO, they provide dependable, prompt results with exceptional accuracy in identifying substance use. This advanced testing method ensures thorough detection, securing reliable outcomes every time.

  • High accuracy
  • Prompt results
  • Dependable

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Swink, CO
Hair follicle testing enhances compliance with employer drug-free policies in Swink, CO. By reducing legal liabilities and promoting workplace safety, businesses can maintain a secure environment and operate within legal frameworks.

  • Ensures compliance
  • Reduces legal risks
  • Enhances safety

What's New In Hair Follicle Drug Testing according to the Hair Drug Testing Experts

With its multidisciplinary nature, hair testing brings together researchers, scientists, and experts from various domains to develop innovative techniques, explore new methodologies, and address emerging concerns, responding to the ever-evolving challenges of drug abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring, and environmental exposures to pollutants.

The joint meeting of the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) and the Italian Group of Forensic Toxicologists (GTFI) was organized in Verona, June 8–10, 2022, and hosted by the Legal Medicine team of the Verona University Hospital, directed by Franco Tagliaro together with Federica Bortolotti and Rossella Gottardo.

It served as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, facilitating groundbreaking advancements in hair testing and analysis. In this special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, we aim to showcase the remarkable manuscripts presented at this significant event, shedding light on the latest research and highlighting the future directions in this field.

Novel Analytical Techniques: The Verona meeting witnessed the unveiling of cutting-edge analytical techniques, offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy for drug testing. Remarkable advancements in sample preparation, detection, and identification of drug compounds have been presented. The manuscripts in this section presented novel approaches, such as multianalyte methods and on-line preparation which can enable rapid analysis and improve thorough forensic investigations.

Biomarkers and Pharmacokinetics: The identification and validation of reliable biomarkers and pharmacokinetic studies are fundamental aspects of drug testing and analysis. The impact of hair treatments on the oxidation/decomposition of drugs in hair was also explored, as the long-term fate of drugs incorporated in the keratin matrix. Furthermore, the SoHT meeting in Verona featured research on the identification and quantification of alcohol abuse biomarkers, their stability, and their correlation with exposure and other biomarkers.

Forensic Applications and Interpretation: One of the vital objectives of hair testing is its application in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. The SoHT meeting in Verona emphasized the significance of rigorous interpretation of analytical results and the need for standardized protocols. Manuscripts in this section present advancements in forensic toxicology, and have explored the challenges posed by emerging designer drugs and strategies to combat their proliferation. The pitfalls encountered when the exogenous/endogenous nature of a substance is questioned were presented and discussed. The special issue presents also manuscripts that delve into the ethical implications of drug testing in drug facilitated sexual assaults.

Clinical Applications of hair testing are witnessed by the insight on environmental tobacco smoke exposure, assessed by hair analysis in a population of students and the study of in utero-exposure to drugs of abuse through neonatal hair analysis. Exposure to drugs was also important in cases of child abuse/neglect, when the clinical purpose of hair testing merge with its forensic applications.

The legal framework surrounding hair testing and the achievement of guidelines to ensure fairness, accuracy, and confidentiality in drug testing practices have also been discussed,and the SoHT consensus on general hair testing and testing for drugs of abuse was presented at the meeting and published as a Letter to the Editor.

In conclusion, the special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, featuring manuscripts from the SoHT–GTFI meeting in Verona 2022, reflects the remarkable advancements achieved in this field. The manuscripts provide valuable insights into novel analytical techniques, biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, forensic applications, and ethical considerations. As we embrace these advancements, we pave the way for a safer, healthier society, where drug testing and analysis serve as powerful tools in protecting public health and maintaining integrity in various sectors. The research presented in this special issue will undoubtedly shape the future of drug testing and analysis, fostering collaboration and inspiring further innovation in this crucial area of scientific inquiry.


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Frequently Asked Questions

A hair follicle drug test analyzes a small sample of hair to detect a history of drug use over time. Because drug metabolites are incorporated into hair as it grows, this method can show patterns of use instead of just recent exposure. It is frequently used for legal and court requirements, long-term monitoring, and high-trust workforce screening.
Standard hair drug testing typically reflects drug use over approximately a 90-day period, based on the length of hair collected at the time of testing. Longer hair can sometimes reflect a longer time frame, and extremely short hair can reduce that window.
Hair drug testing commonly screens for marijuana/THC, cocaine, opiates/opioids, amphetamines/methamphetamines, and PCP. In many cases, additional expanded panels may be requested to include other substances.
Yes. If the donor's head hair is too short or unavailable, body hair may be collected as an alternative. The collector will document the source of the sample. This allows testing even for individuals with recently cut or shaved head hair.
Yes. Hair drug testing is commonly used in court, probation, custody, and compliance matters because the collection process follows a documented chain of custody and the analysis is performed by a certified laboratory. Results are provided in a form that can be reviewed by legal and administrative authorities.
Yes. Individuals, parents, attorneys, employers, and probation programs can all request hair drug testing. A doctor's order is not required. Results are confidential and released only to the authorized requesting party.
Hair testing provides a longer look-back period than urine testing, making it useful when you need to demonstrate ongoing abstinence or identify repeated/recent substance use patterns over time rather than just recent exposure. It is frequently selected for legal, compliance, and custody-related documentation.
A small section of hair is cut by a trained collector in a discreet, controlled manner. The sample is sealed, documented, and sent to the laboratory under established chain-of-custody procedures so that the results can be defended if they are ever challenged.

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