Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended historical record of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to nearly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, resilient to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg, the perfect amount for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler's scale for precise weighing. If scalp hair is unattainable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test outcome in the laboratory involves four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's system. This phase involves checking the sample's seal and delivery, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and doing any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary step to identify potential drug abuse. Although Screening provides an economical approach to discarding drug use for most samples, any positive outcome must be confirmed for courtroom viability. All samples showing tentative positive results during Screening mandate additional confirmation.
If a sample shows a possible positive outcome during Screening, further hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), accounting for why hair drug testing is one of the hardest methodologies.
Validation of any positive Screening outcomes is accomplished via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All provisional positive samples undergo a washing process prior to confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the assessment examines the strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Vail, CO: Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. One of the major benefits is superior detection accuracy, capable of identifying drug use over a significantly longer timeframe. Unlike urine tests, which can be susceptible to tampering, hair testing provides a more robust and reliable measure of an individual's substance history, ensuring peace of mind for both employers and test participants.
Extended Detection Window in Vail, CO: Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window, often up to 90 days, enabling employers to gain a comprehensive overview of a candidate or employee's substance use history. This long-term detection capability is invaluable for making informed hiring and monitoring decisions, offering insights that urine tests, with their shorter detection window, simply cannot match. This makes hair testing a crucial tool in maintaining workplace safety and compliance.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Vail, CO: Hair follicle drug tests considerably minimize the chances of sample adulteration, offering undeniable reliability. Unlike urine tests, which can be manipulated, hair follicle testing ensures results are authentic, providing an added layer of trust for employers and legal authorities. This tamper-resistant feature is critical in upholding the integrity of testing processes, making it an ideal choice in settings where perfect accuracy is essential.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Vail, CO: Our extensive network of nationwide testing centers makes it convenient for clients to access our services wherever they are. Local centers in Vail ensure prompt and hassle-free testing experiences, providing clients with the flexibility they need. This accessibility is paramount for individuals and businesses seeking reliable and efficient drug testing solutions without the inconvenience of traveling far distances.
Simple, Confidential Process in Vail, CO: The process of ordering, undertaking, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is both simple and confidential. Maintaining privacy while ensuring ease of use, this streamlined approach is designed to reassure clients about their personal information's safety. By simplifying every step, from testing to results disclosure, clients can confidently rely on a method that respects their privacy concerns while delivering crucial insights promptly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Vail, CO: Our competitive pricing structures ensure that hair follicle testing remains accessible and cost-effective for businesses of all sizes. Coupled with quick turnaround times, we provide excellent value, ensuring peace of mind and effective substance use monitoring. This affordability, combined with efficiency, makes hair testing an attractive option for ensuring workplace safety without significant financial burden.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Vail, CO: Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed. They offer consistent accuracy in detecting substance use over extended periods. Beneficial for individuals and businesses alike, this method ensures reliable results by examining hair samples, which are resistant to contamination. The swift collection process and dependable outcomes make it a top choice for accurate substance screening.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Vail, CO: With hair follicle testing, employers can ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety. This testing method supports compliance with various legal and policy standards, offering peace of mind that the workplace is secure and drug-free. By choosing hair testing, businesses not only protect their interests but also enhance confidence in their workforce's sobriety and adherence to regulations.
