Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair can offer an extended history of alcohol and assorted drugs by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When collected close to the scalp, hair can provide up to roughly a 3-month detection window for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of approximately 200 strands of hair (about the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest weighing the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair may be gathered. When talking about head hair, we are only referring to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial processing of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This entails verifying that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug usage on the majority of samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in court. Any samples that yield a presumptively positive result in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a specimen is presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methodologies (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive undergo a wash prior to confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the examination itself analyzes the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Testing Outshines Urine Tests in Doyleville, CO is becoming clear to many. Hair follicle testing surpasses standard urine tests with its superior detection capability. It offers a broader window for detecting drugs, unlike urine tests that can miss drug use post a few days. The reliability and detailed insight hair testing offers gives it a distinct edge over urine tests.
Extended Detection Window: In Doyleville, CO, hair follicle testing's superiority lies in its 90-day detection window. This expansive timeframe gives employers a more comprehensive insight into an individual's substance use history, significantly surpassing the few days covered by other testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method: Hair follicle testing in Doyleville, CO drastically reduces the possibility of sample tampering. Its observed collection process and inherent resistance to adulteration make it an exceptionally reliable testing option, providing results that are beyond dispute.
Convenient Testing Locations: With a network of testing centers across the nation, including Doyleville, CO, testing is quick and accessible. Our centers are designed to be both convenient and efficient, eliminating the hassle from the testing process for individuals and employers alike.
Simple and Confidential Process: In Doyleville, CO, the hair follicle testing process is streamlined for ease and discretion. From ordering to test-taking and result-receiving, every step is designed to honor privacy while ensuring a simple experience for all involved.
Affordable Pricing with Quick Turnaround: Our competitive pricing and fast delivery of results in Doyleville, CO offer great value for businesses of any size. Efficient processing times complement cost-effectiveness, making our services both budget-friendly and reliable.
Fast and Dependable Results in Doyleville, CO are reason enough to choose hair follicle testing. These tests boast unparalleled accuracy and precision when it comes to detecting substance use. In a matter of days, they provide reliable results that can assist employers and professionals in making informed decisions.
Compliance and Assurance for Employers: Utilizing hair follicle testing in Doyleville, CO ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, alleviating legal liabilities and bolstering workplace safety. This testing method provides peace of mind with its authoritative results.
