Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair, it delivers a comprehensive historical record of substance use. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection range of up to roughly 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. The process of collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is convenient.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) cut closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal amount for analysis. For tests involving EtG or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, the same volume of body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into the lab system. This entails checking that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in extra data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screening must be affirmed for legal proceedings. Any sample that tests positive in Screening necessitates a follow-up confirmation.
If a specimen tests positive in Screening, extra hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lesser concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most intricate to conduct.
Any positive screening outcome is validated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed as needed before verification. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed in accordance with CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests," the examination analyzes the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Edgewater, CO, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in several aspects. The accuracy and reliability of hair tests are unmatched, offering detection for up to 90 days, compared to the shorter window for urine tests. This extended detection is crucial for employers needing comprehensive substance history.
Furthermore, hair tests are less susceptible to tampering, providing results that truly reflect an individual's usage history, which is not always possible with urine tests due to potential adulteration.
Hair follicle testing in Edgewater, CO, is known for its extended detection window, identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This feature offers a more thorough insight into an individual's substance use over time, unlike other methods with limited detection periods.
Employers benefit from this enhanced transparency as it provides a comprehensive overview of a candidate's or employee’s drug history. It enables businesses to maintain more robust substance abuse policies.
In Edgewater, CO, hair follicle tests are remarkably tamper-resistant, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. The nature of hair testing provides reliable and unquestionable results.
This feature ensures that when individuals submit samples, the integrity of the testing process is maintained, offering employers a dependable method of monitoring substance use without the worry of manipulation or substitution of samples.
In Edgewater, CO, the convenience of using our nationwide testing locations, including local options, simplifies accessing multiple testing centers. Finding a nearby site for hair follicle drug testing is quick and hassle-free, ensuring efficient and accessible services.
This network of conveniently located centers benefits employers and individuals alike, making the drug testing process less cumbersome and more streamlined.
In Edgewater, CO, the process for hair follicle tests is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, individuals can rest assured that their privacy will be respected, making the experience secure and straightforward.
This process minimizes concerns around privacy breaches and ensures that clients receive their results discreetly, offering them peace of mind throughout the procedure.
Edgewater, CO offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle drug testing. This approach caters to companies of all sizes, delivering excellent value through competitive pricing structures and quick results.
The combination of affordability and speed means businesses can enforce their policies without heavy expenditure, staying ahead of scheduling needs and ensuring seamless operations.
In Edgewater, CO, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, precise, and dependable outcomes. These tests excel in both the speed of processing and the accuracy in identifying substance use, offering results that employers and individuals can trust.
The reliability of hair tests is paramount, as they minimize false positives and negatives, ensuring that the results are as accurate as possible. This high level of precision sets a new standard in drug testing efficiency in Edgewater.
Employers in Edgewater, CO, achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks while promoting a safe and productive environment.
By implementing hair follicle tests, businesses effectively enforce their substance use policies, reducing incidents related to drug use and providing clear documentation of compliance efforts.
