Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture a comprehensive history of drug and alcohol markers by embedding them into the strand’s fibers. When sampled close to the scalp, hair can offer an approximately 90-day detection window for substance use. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and can be easily transported.
An ideal 100mg sample for screening and confirmation is obtained from a 1.5-inch section of about 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's advised to use 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps involved in processing a drug test result in the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the lab’s system. This involves checking that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for abused substances. Screening is an economical method for ruling out drug use in most samples; however, a positive result requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples indicating a presumptive positive during Screening require further confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positive results at the Screening stage, further hair is extracted from the original sample for preparation in the Extraction phase. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at concentrations lower than other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is a complex process.
Confirmation of any positive results from the screening is completed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive-positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand rather than the hair follicle located beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Chipita Park, CO lies in its superior detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, hair testing tracks drug use over a longer timeline, ensuring greater accuracy and dependability. Employers, courts, and rehab professionals are increasingly favoring hair tests, as they are harder to manipulate and reveal a more comprehensive substance use history.
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests in Chipita Park, CO, offers a wider timeframe for drug use identification, up to 90 days, compared to conventional methods. This allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance history, which is vital for employment decisions and maintaining workplace safety.
In Chipita Park, CO, hair follicle testing provides a tamper-resistant testing method that substantially minimizes the possibility of sample tampering. Its secure and reliable outcomes make it a trusted choice for those who require unaltered results, helping maintain the integrity of drug testing processes in critical environments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations are accessible in Chipita Park, CO, through our extensive network. The breadth of our locations ensures individuals and businesses can avail themselves of testing services without hassle, thereby facilitating easy and prompt access to required drug testing solutions.
The process in Chipita Park, CO, for hair follicle testing is simple and confidential, ensuring a straightforward experience from order to result. The ease of access and assurance of privacy address individual concerns, enabling stress-free participation in the testing process.
Our services in Chipita Park, CO, highlight affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, ensuring companies of all sizes benefit from the value and swift service we provide. Our competitive pricing models are designed to meet diverse budget needs, enhancing overall satisfaction.
In Chipita Park, CO, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are renowned for their high precision in identifying substance use, making them a preferred choice for employers seeking definitive data. The speed at which results are obtained ensures timely decisions, crucial for maintaining a drug-free environment.
For employers in Chipita Park, CO, employing hair follicle testing supports compliance and peace of mind. This testing method aligns with workplace drug-free policies, reducing potential legal issues and reinforcing a safe and productive work setting, critical for business success and employee well-being.