Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening is now recognized as a potent means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-lasting record of alcohol and various substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it develops. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period extending up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is advised. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a proportional quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair refers strictly to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the sample's initial integration into a laboratory's system. This step verifies that the sample was securely sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for substances of misuse. While Screening is cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screening must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Samples that are tentatively positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample test tentatively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this stage, substances are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging procedure to execute.
Confirming any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens undergo washing before confirmation if required. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation in addition to the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Tarryall, CO, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Unlike urine tests that only detect recent drug use, hair tests provide a more extended detection window. This makes them more reliable for discerning long-term substance use patterns. Hair testing also reduces the chances of sample tampering and offers a more comprehensive understanding of a subject's drug history.
Employers in Tarryall, CO, gain a significant advantage with hair follicle testing due to its extended detection window. Hair tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, providing a thorough assessment of an individual's substance history. This long-term detection capability allows companies to make informed decisions regarding potential employees and current workforce members, promoting a drug-free workplace.
One of the main advantages of hair follicle tests in Tarryall, CO, is their tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other testing methods, hair samples are incredibly difficult to adulterate, ensuring reliability. This protects the integrity of the test results, offering certainty and trust in the outcomes. Employers benefit from this robust security, knowing results are genuine and unaltered.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations across Tarryall, CO, and Nationwide. Our extensive network ensures individuals and employers have easy access to drug testing services without hassle. This widespread reach means there is always a local testing center nearby, facilitating swift and effective service delivery and making it easier to maintain compliance with testing requirements.
In Tarryall, CO, Accredited Drug Testing promises a straightforward and private testing process. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed for user convenience while maintaining confidentiality. Concerns over privacy are addressed with high integrity, making the entire experience smooth. This ensures individuals undergo testing without undue stress, knowing their information is secure.
Accredited Drug Testing in Tarryall, CO, provides cost-effective solutions with fast result turnaround. Our competitive pricing ensures that companies of all sizes receive tremendous value. Coupled with the rapid processing time of hair follicle tests, organizations can rely on us for timely and economical drug testing needs, ensuring peace of mind and sustained safety standards.
Hair follicle testing in Tarryall, CO, provides rapid and accurate results. This method stands out for its precision and speed, making it an effective choice for detecting substance use. Employers and individuals benefit from the high accuracy provided by hair tests, leading to dependable outcomes in a timely manner. This ensures that substance use is identified efficiently, helping maintain safe and compliant environments.
For employers in Tarryall, CO, hair follicle testing ensures both compliance and peace of mind. By utilizing this method, businesses adhere to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities. This proactive approach not only mitigates risks but also enhances workplace safety. The reassurance of using a precise and tamper-proof test safeguards organizational interests and employee well-being.
