Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair traps biomarkers within the fibers of the developing strand, offering a comprehensive history of substance use. When collected near the scalp, it can provide a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A segment of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is perfect for screening and confirmation. For EtG enhancements or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar volume of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result includes four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the sample's initial processing into a lab’s system, ensuring proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers an initial rapid check for drug substances. Although Screening is economical for negating drug presence in most cases, court validity demands confirmation of a positive result. Samples that show positive in Screening require a succeeding confirmation.
In the Screening phase, if a sample shows presumptive positivity, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted at significantly lower concentrations compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening particularly intricate.
Confirmation follows any positive screening result and is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: These are often called "hair follicle tests", but the test actually examines the strand and not the follicle under the scalp
Why choose hair follicle testing over urine tests? In Dakota Ridge, CO, hair tests stand out for their superior detection accuracy and reliability. Compared to urine tests, they offer more conclusive results over an extended period.
Employers in Dakota Ridge, CO, benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window. With the ability to detect drug use up to 90 days, this method offers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history.
Tamper-resistant testing is a significant advantage of hair follicle tests in Dakota Ridge, CO. This method reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring the results are reliable and trustworthy.
With convenient nationwide locations, including local centers in Dakota Ridge, CO, accessing hair follicle testing is easy and hassle-free. Our widespread facilities ensure quick and efficient service delivery.
In Dakota Ridge, CO, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step is designed to respect privacy and ease of use.
In Dakota Ridge, CO, our hair follicle testing services offer affordable pricing with fast turnaround times. This ensures companies of all sizes receive excellent value and quick results.
In Dakota Ridge, CO, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are known for their precision and speed, making them a top choice for timely substance use detection.
Employers in Dakota Ridge, CO, can achieve compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. This method helps enforce drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and promoting safety.
