Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant technique for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of substances by securing biomarkers within the strands' growing fibers. When cut near the scalp, hair may offer an approximately three-month detection period for substances and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (resembling the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, results in 100mg, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirming. For EtG additions and/or testing beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing is suggested. If scalp hair isn't present, an equal volume of body hair can be gathered. The term head hair exclusively refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the lab analysis of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial processing step, integrating a sample into a lab's system. This involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and transport, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining information entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid inspection for substance abuse. Screening offers an economical means to dismiss drug use in most samples, yet a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal credibility. Samples testing positive in Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
Should a test indicate positivity in Screening, additional hair from the initial sample is prepared for Extraction. This stage extracts substances from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug testing the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any screening positivity employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab process spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation complies with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand itself, rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Westcliffe, CO, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in several aspects. Hair tests offer enhanced detection accuracy and reliability, capturing a person's long-term substance use profile. Unlike urine tests, which detect recent consumption, hair tests provide a comprehensive look at an individual's habits.
Benefits
For a thorough view of one's substance history, hair follicle testing in Westcliffe, CO, is unmatched. Capable of detecting use over a 90-day window, these tests provide employers with a more complete assessment of an applicant or employee.
Extended Detection Period
Hair follicle testing in Westcliffe, CO, offers a tamper-resistant testing method, minimizing the risk of cheating or sample manipulation. This provides employers with reliable, unquestionable results.
Advantages
In Westcliffe, CO, and across the nation, our convenient testing locations simplify access to drug testing services. Our widespread network ensures that testing is quick, easy, and hassle-free for all clients.
Local and Nationwide Access
Our hair follicle testing process in Westcliffe, CO, is both simple and confidential, ensuring privacy at every stage. From ordering to result receipt, we prioritize ease of use and confidentiality.
Process Highlights
In Westcliffe, CO, affordable pricing and fast results are part of our commitment to providing excellent value. Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround time ensure that companies receive cost-effective and reliable service.
Value Benefits
Westcliffe, CO, values fast and accurate drug testing, and hair follicle tests deliver just that. These tests are known for their precision in identifying substance use over an extensive period, providing detailed and reliable results quickly.
Key Features
Ensuring compliance with drug-free policies, hair follicle testing in Westcliffe, CO, offers peace of mind for employers. It reduces legal risks and improves workplace safety, supporting a drug-free work environment.
Peace of Mind Benefits
