Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method to identify drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a repository for a prolonged period, capturing biomarkers within the strands' fibers. When collected near the scalp, it provides a detection window of around three months for substances. Hair samples are easy to collect, less prone to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch hair segment with roughly 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp will result in 100mg of hair, which is suitable for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or analyses beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is recommended. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is advised. If head hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. 'Head hair' specifically denotes scalp hair. 'Body hair' covers all other types, including facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The key stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab system. This involves confirming the appropriate sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling additional data entry not available via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial check for drugs of abuse. While it is cost-effective for ruling out drug usage in most samples, any positive screen requires further confirmation to be valid for legal purposes. Positives identified in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
For presumptive positives identified in the Screening phase, additional hair is drawn from the original sample for Extraction. In this step, substances are extracted at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a more complex technique.
Positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation as required. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire process is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outshines Urine Testing in Greeley, CO
The debate of hair versus urine tests often highlights hair testing's superior detection capabilities. With a longer detection timeline and enhanced reliability, hair analyses are becoming the preferred method. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair analyses offer comprehensive and dependable results, ensuring substance use is detected with greater accuracy.
Protracted Detection Period in Greeley, CO
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its lengthy detection span, often extending up to 90 days. This gives employers a thorough overview of a candidate's or staff member's history regarding substance use. The capability to introspect a broader timeframe provides a better understanding of consistent usage patterns.
Resistant to Tampering in Greeley, CO
Hair follicle tests are lauded for minimizing tampering risks, offering trustworthy and unquestionable outcomes. The hair analysis process is conducted under observation, ensuring samples remain untampered. This strengthens the credibility of test results, offering peace of mind to employers and professionals alike.
Accessible Testing Locations Nationwide and Locally in Greeley, CO
Our extensive network of testing centers offers unmatched convenience. Whether local or nationwide, quick and effortless access to our services ensures companies and individuals can undertake drug testing without hassle. This accessibility simplifies the testing process significantly.
Effortless and Confidential Procedure in Greeley, CO
The straightforward and discreet method for arranging, performing, and receiving results from a hair follicle test alleviates privacy and usability concerns. This smooth process ensures participants feel secure and at ease during the entire procedure, from start to finish.
Cost-Effective Pricing and Swift Results in Greeley, CO
Our affordable pricing paired with rapid turnaround, offers substantial value for businesses of varying sizes. Ensuring quick results without sacrificing quality helps sustain confidence in efficient testing while maintaining budget considerations.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Outcomes in Greeley, CO
Hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their precision and promptness. These assessments boast high accuracy in identifying substance use, offering results that employers can count on. Hair testing surpasses other methods, reducing errors and delivering conclusive proof of substance use, making it the top choice for many.
Ensuring Compliance and Peace in Greeley, CO
Implementing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free regulations, helping to diminish legal hazards while boosting workplace safety. By adopting this method, employers reinforce their commitment to maintaining a secure and compliant work setting.
