Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a comprehensive view of substance use history by encasing biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When sampled close to the scalp, hair can provide a detection period extending up to around three months for alcohol and other substances. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and transportation is convenient.
Collecting a 1.5-inch section consisting of about 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the area nearest the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG or those exceeding 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is advisable. It’s suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, equivalent body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves these four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the laboratory system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any required data entry not already available via an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary and efficient method to identify potential drug abuse. While it’s a cost-effective approach to exclude drug use in many samples, any positive results in Screening must be confirmed to be accepted legally. Presumptively positive samples in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at far lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methods to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Necessary washing of all presumptive positive samples occurs before confirmation. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and is certified to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Elbert, CO outperforms traditional urine tests in several ways. It offers a higher level of accuracy and reliability, making it the preferred choice for extended detection needs.
Compared to urine tests, hair analyses provide a more comprehensive coverage of historical drug use, highlighting their effectiveness for stringent monitoring purposes.
Hair follicle tests in Elbert, CO provide an extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days. This feature gives employers a detailed view of an individual's drug usage over a longer timeframe.
Unlike other methods, hair testing captures a complete snapshot of substance history, aiding in making well-informed hiring or retention decisions.
One of the strengths of hair follicle tests in Elbert, CO is their resistance to tampering, greatly reducing adulteration risks and ensuring result authenticity.
These tests offer a robust solution to bypass methods aimed at falsifying test results, ensuring that the findings remain trustworthy and unchallenged.
Our extensive network of testing locations, both nationally and within Elbert, CO, provides unmatched convenience. We ensure hassle-free and efficient access to our testing services.
The widespread availability of our centers supports quick and straightforward testing processes, enhancing the user experience.
The process for hair follicle testing in Elbert, CO is straightforward and confidential, easing worries about privacy and usability.
From ordering to testing, and receiving results, each step is designed to maintain confidentiality and simplicity for the user's peace of mind.
Our competitive pricing for hair follicle testing in Elbert, CO, coupled with fast turnaround times, provides excellent value for businesses of any size.
We pride ourselves on offering affordable solutions without sacrificing speed or quality, assuring companies of reliable and cost-effective services.
In Elbert, CO, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and rapid results. This method offers unparalleled accuracy in spotting substance use, ensuring dependable results promptly.
The advanced technology behind hair testing guarantees quick results, making it an ideal choice for employers who demand reliable and timely drug testing solutions.
Employers in Elbert, CO benefit from using hair follicle testing, assuring compliance with drug-free policies and decreasing legal vulnerabilities while promoting workplace safety.
Such testing helps maintain a drug-free environment, ensuring both legal adherence and promoting overall organizational well-being.
