Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The examination of hair has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term trace of alcohol and other substances by ensnaring biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When hair is taken near the scalp, it can present almost a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for testing and verification. For EtG, supplemental tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If hair from the scalp is not accessible, a similar amount of body hair might be acquired. When speaking of head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal four phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial phase of incorporating a sample into a laboratory's system. This process verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any extraneous data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening serves as an economical approach to exclude drug use in the majority of cases, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo secondary verification.
Should a sample display a presumptive positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is separated from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this stage, substances are isolated from hair at a far lower concentration than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence hair drug screening stands as the most challenging methodology to execute.
The verification of any positive screen outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to verification as required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination itself evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Timpas, CO, hair testing outperforms urine tests in areas of detection accuracy and reliability. The extended detection period makes hair testing superior, as it uncovers a broader timeline of substance use. Unlike urine tests, which offer only a short-term view, hair testing provides a comprehensive history for more informed decision-making. Therefore, businesses and organizations benefit from adopting hair tests to ensure no substance use goes unnoticed.
Hair follicle testing in Timpas, CO offers an extended detection window up to 90 days, capturing a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history. This long span provides employers with crucial insight into an applicant or employee's long-term habits. Hair analysis stands distinct by ensuring no recent substance usage will slip through undetected, ultimately supporting responsible hiring and continued employment decisions.
In Timpas, CO, hair follicle tests pose a significant challenge to sample tampering, providing reliable results without the risk of sample adulteration. The structure of hair retains evidence of drug use despite attempts to alter samples, unlike urine which is prone to manipulation. Through this tamper-resistant approach, hair testing delivers results that are dependable and free of doubt, establishing it as a trustworthy method.
In Timpas, CO, our convenient nationwide testing locations streamline the testing process, making it quick and hassle-free. Access to numerous centers ensures individuals and businesses can undertake hair testing without difficulty. This widespread availability underscores our commitment to providing accessible drug testing solutions, allowing easy integration into personal and professional routines regardless of location.
The simple, confidential hair testing process in Timpas, CO ensures ease of use and privacy. From ordering the test to receiving results, every step is designed for client confidence. Concerns about privacy are addressed with strict confidentiality protocols, ensuring a discreet testing experience. The straightforward process guarantees that individuals and businesses achieve necessary insights without any hassle.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround in Timpas, CO, our hair follicle testing provides excellent value. Businesses benefit from affordable rates while receiving fast and precise results. This cost-effective solution aids companies of all sizes, ensuring financial feasibility without compromising on accuracy and speed. Our service underscores efficiency and reliability at an accessible price point.
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests ensure fast, accurate results in Timpas, CO. This testing method is noted for its high specificity, leaving little room for error. Hair analysis effectively detects a wide range of substances, providing a trusted results landscape. Combined with rapid processing times, hair testing stands as a reliable choice for timely and accurate substance use detection.
Employers in Timpas, CO find peace of mind and compliance through hair follicle testing. Using this method aligns companies with drug-free policies, lowering legal risks and bolstering workplace safety. Clear, uncompromised results help in maintaining a safe environment, ensuring employees adhere to company values and statutes. The use of hair tests minimizes potential litigation risks, promoting a compliant and secure workspace.
