Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing is now recognized as a potent method for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair encapsulates a prolonged record of these substances by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide an approximate 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drug usage. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, tampering with it is arduous, and transportation is convenient.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, add-on tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, an equal volume of body hair can be utilized. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result includes four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step in recording a sample into the laboratory system. It involves ensuring the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not included in the electronic chain of custody system.
The Screening step involves a quick initial check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method for eliminating drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are extracted from the hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to perform.
Positive results in the Screening phase are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumptive positive are washed prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is overseen under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Woodland Park, CO, hair follicle testing proves superior to urine testing due to its better detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, hair testing can identify drug use over an extended period, serving as a more reliable indicator of long-term substance abuse.
While urine tests might be more common, hair tests are difficult to cheat, providing employers with more trustworthy information. This elevated accuracy level makes them a preferred choice for many businesses and organizations.
Extended detection windows make hair tests in Woodland Park invaluable. Capable of identifying drug use from the past 90 days, they offer employers a deep dive into an individual's substance use history.
This elongated detection period means employers can feel confident about their hiring decisions, recognizing patterns of use that might go unnoticed in shorter-term tests like those using urine.
One key advantage of hair follicle testing in Woodland Park is its resistance to tampering. Hair samples are difficult to alter, significantly minimizing the risk of adulteration.
This reliable result ensures that the conclusions drawn from the test are accurate and trustworthy, providing peace of mind for employers and other authorities relying on the results.
With convenient locations across the nation and specifically in Woodland Park, CO, accessing hair follicle testing is quick and hassle-free. This nationwide presence facilitates easy and efficient testing for both individuals and companies.
Our local centers ensure that testing services are readily available, reducing the time and effort required for individuals to get tested.
Simplicity and confidentiality define our hair follicle testing process in Woodland Park. From ordering to result reception, every step is designed to be user-friendly and private.
Clients can trust that their information remains confidential, alleviating concerns and making the process straightforward, thereby encouraging more individuals to avail of the testing service.
In Woodland Park, CO, our hair follicle tests offer competitive pricing and quick turnaround. This combination ensures you receive high-quality testing without breaking the bank.
Affordable options and rapid results provide exceptional value, catering to businesses of all sizes seeking effective drug testing solutions to safeguard their workplace.
Known for their fast and reliable results, hair follicle drug tests in Woodland Park excel in precision. They deliver high accuracy in identifying substance use, making them far superior to conventional testing methods. This precision helps employers make informed decisions.
The speed of hair follicle testing ensures that results are delivered promptly, which is crucial for organizations needing quick answers. The accuracy and speed combined make them an invaluable tool for drug detection.
Using hair tests, employers in Woodland Park can ensure their drug-free policies comply with the law, mitigating legal risks. With increased reliability in detecting long-term drug use, workplace safety is enhanced.
Beyond safety, hair testing reflects a company's commitment to upholding high standards, fostering a culture of responsibility and trust among employees.
