At Accredited Drug Testing, comprehensive hair follicle drug testing is expertly provided in Thornton, Colorado. For those needing a hair drug or alcohol test, we specialize in hair testing with centers nationwide ready to perform the test. Generally, about 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body can be used. These tests effectively analyze for drugs, alcohol/ETG, and other tailored options.
Over recent years, hair follicle drug tests have become more common for drug screening. Leveraging these tests, employers, courts, and substance abuse professionals opt for hair over the standard urine method. The main advantage is the longer detection window of up to 90 days, observed collection, and difficulty in cheating. For detecting recent drug use within 5 days, urine tests remain superior.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides an extended timeline of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for shipping.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the hair is advisable. In cases where scalp hair isn't accessible, a similar quantity of body hair may be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test outcome involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This encompasses confirming the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary check for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug presence in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is among the most challenging techniques.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive result are washed before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Thornton, CO, hair follicle testing stands out compared to traditional urine tests. One key benefit is the extended detection period, giving it an edge in spotting long-term substance use patterns. While urine tests may miss some drug traces, hair testing delivers greater reliability with historical data analysis.
Another advantage of hair over urine tests is its robustness against tampering. Where urine samples might be compromised or adulterated, hair tests maintain integrity, offering employers and professionals a more dependable option for drug screening.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing is a game-changer in Thornton, CO. With a capacity to detect drug use up to 90 days back, it offers employers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history. Unlike other tests, it tracks an employee's or applicant's habits over a meaningful range.
Employers in Thornton value this extended insight for making informed decisions. The broad temporal scope of hair testing is instrumental in evaluating long-term behaviors, providing a clearer picture of substance patterns crucial for workplace safety and policy adherence.
In Thornton, CO, hair follicle testing significantly curtails the risk of tampered samples, ensuring the authenticity of results. This method protects against adulteration, unlike other testing practices, strengthening the reliability and credibility of outcomes.
Employers and authorities benefit from this tamper-resistant nature. Thornton's stakeholders can trust the results without the concerns of manipulation, ensuring that decision-making is based on accurate and uncontaminated data, promoting a fair assessment environment.
Accredited Drug Testing extends convenience through numerous nationwide and local sites in Thornton, CO. With easily accessible centers, clients experience seamless service without hassle, ensuring quick and efficient testing access.
Thornton's businesses and individuals benefit from this widespread network. The geographical reach ensures timely testing, minimizing downtime and facilitating the essential drug screening process swiftly, removing barriers and stress for all involved.
In Thornton, CO, the hair follicle testing process is streamlined and confidential, instilling confidence in users. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step ensures privacy, addressing any concerns users might have about exposure.
The simplicity of the process appeals to clients, making drug testing straightforward. Our method ensures that personal information is securely handled, delivering results swiftly while maintaining the serenity of mind for participants in Thornton.
Affordable pricing combined with rapid turnaround times makes hair follicle testing in Thornton, CO, desirable for companies of different scales. The economic value provided by our competitive rates ensures that businesses can manage costs without compromising on quality.
Moreover, the prompt delivery of results enhances operational efficiency, making the testing process a valuable asset. In Thornton, companies can depend on accuracy and speed, optimizing resource allocation and safeguarding workplace integrity effortlessly.
Hair follicle drug testing offers not only precision but also swiftness in Thornton, CO. These tests exhibit a high degree of accuracy, swiftly detecting even minute traces of drug use. This method ensures that results are reliable, delivering peace of mind quickly to those needing urgent confirmation.
In Thornton, hair tests provide clarity in results, consistently outperforming alternative methods. Their capacity for precision is unmatched, as they effectively pinpoint and categorize substance presence with minimal error, establishing a gold standard in the drug testing domain.
For employers in Thornton, CO, hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, bringing a sense of compliance and peace. By integrating this testing method, businesses diminish legal liabilities, reinforcing safety and security in the work environment.
This testing approach offers a systematic solution, supporting employers in meeting regulatory directives. The predictable reliability of hair follicle testing in Thornton results in less legal risk and fosters a safer, more productive workplace atmosphere.
