Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. This method offers an extended view of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of emerging hair strands. When hair is taken from near the scalp, it can unveil up to a three-month timeline of alcohol and drug usage. Hair specimens are straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and uncomplicated to transport.
Gathering a 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) from the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is an optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation processes. For tests including EtG, additional substances, or more than 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is advised. If scalp hair can't be accessed, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" exclusively denotes scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core procedures within laboratory analysis for drug testing results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During the Accessioning phase, a sample is initially processed into the laboratory’s system, which entails confirming the sample's secure sealing and proper shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and adding any extra data not included with an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary cursory assessment for drugs of abuse. Screening serves as a cost-efficient manner to eliminate the possibility of drug usage in most samples; however, to be valid in legal contexts, positive screenings must be confirmed. Samples identified as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
For samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening, extra hair is drawn from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are retrieved from hair at considerably reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence hair drug screening is recognized as the most challenging method.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Disadvantages:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is done on the hair strand, not the hair follicle located beneath the scalp.
When comparing testing methods in Weldona, CO, hair follicle testing stands out. It offers advantages over traditional urine tests, particularly in identifying drug use over extended periods. Hair testing's superior detection ability makes it a more reliable choice for those requiring accurate substance screening.
Hair follicle testing in Weldona, CO, provides insight into long-term drug use, showing patterns that urine tests often miss. Its extended detection window, spanning up to 90 days, allows employers to form a detailed picture of substance use history, crucial for making informed employment decisions.
Reducing the chance of sample tampering, hair follicle testing in Weldona, CO, is a tamper-resistant solution. This method significantly curtails adulteration, ensuring that results are both credible and dependable, a key advantage over other testing methods.
Convenience is a cornerstone of service in Weldona, CO, with numerous nationwide centers available for hair follicle drug tests. These facilities offer unparalleled ease, facilitating quick and hassle-free access to drug testing services when and where they are needed most.
The hair follicle testing process in Weldona, CO, is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering, conducting, and receiving results are straightforward and secure, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use throughout the procedure.
In Weldona, CO, hair follicle testing provides exceptional value with competitive pricing and expedited results. This combination of affordability and fast turnaround is well-suited for businesses of any size, offering substantial benefits and assurance for those utilizing these services.
In Weldona, CO, the precision and efficiency of hair follicle drug tests are unparalleled. These tests offer rapid, accurate results essential for detecting substance use. Their effectiveness in identifying a broad spectrum of drugs ensures they are the preferred choice for those seeking reliable outcomes.
Employers in Weldona, CO find assurance with hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to substance-free workplace policies. By using this testing method, businesses mitigate legal challenges while promoting a safe, compliant working environment, enhancing overall organizational integrity.
