Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term evidence of alcohol and drug use by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the hair shaft. When cut close to the scalp, hair offers up to a three-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A segment of 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation processes. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. Utilize a jeweler’s scale for precise weight measurement. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent volume of body hair can be gathered. Reference to head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal stages in the lab analysis of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning handles the initial integration of a specimen into the laboratory’s framework. This stage includes confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for the presence of drugs. Though effective for excluding drug use in most samples, positive results in Screening require confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples that are potentially positive during Screening necessitate an additional confirming test.
For samples that test presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial batch for the Extraction process. In this step, drugs are isolated from the hair at notably lower concentrations than those in other test methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any presumptive positive from the Screening is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Prior to confirmation, all positive samples are cleansed as needed. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair domain, alongside accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Commerce City, CO
Hair follicle testing excels over urine tests in detecting drug use due to its superior accuracy and reliability. It offers a more comprehensive understanding of an individual’s substance history, which is invaluable for employers and authorities.
Extended Detection Window in Commerce City, CO
Hair testing identifies drug use over an extensive period of up to 90 days, giving a detailed view of an individual’s substance history. This long detection window is vital for employers aiming for comprehensive assessments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Commerce City, CO
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce sample tampering risk, offering trustworthy and undeniable results. This robust testing approach is difficult to bypass, ensuring testing integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Commerce City, CO
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide, including those in Commerce City, CO, guarantees easy and hassle-free access to testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Commerce City, CO
Our straightforward and confidential process covers everything from ordering to testing to receiving results, addressing both privacy and convenience concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Commerce City, CO
With competitive prices and rapid result delivery, our services offer excellent value, catering to businesses of all sizes, promoting confidence and reliability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Commerce City, CO
Hair follicle testing offers unmatched precision and speed in detecting substance use, ensuring highly reliable results. This method provides clear insight into an individual's drug history, making it a preferred choice in drug testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Commerce City, CO
By implementing hair follicle testing, employers ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal issues and improving workplace safety standards.
