Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has emerged as a significant means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged historical record of substance use, as biomarkers become embedded within the strands of growing hair. When sampling is done near the scalp, hair offers a detection timeline that can extend roughly up to three months for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
Obtaining a sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) when taken from close to the scalp yields approximately 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional testing, and tests surpassing 10 panels, a specimen amount of 150mg is advised. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In circumstances where scalp hair is absent, an equivalent mass of body hair can be used. The term 'head hair' specifically refers to scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses all other varieties such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result is divided into four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning signifies the first phase where a specimen is incorporated into the lab's processing system. This phase checks that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any remaining data entries not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial, rapid evaluation for drug traces. While this step is economically efficient for dismissing drug use in the majority of samples, a positive initial result must be validated for legal acceptability. Samples that test presumptively positive at this stage require confirmation through secondary testing.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction process. This entails drugs being isolated from hair at far reduced concentrations compared to other methodologies (like urine or oral fluids), lending to the complexity of conducting hair-based drug tests.
Validation of any initial positive test outcomes is conducted employing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed prior to confirmation as required. The entire laboratory protocol from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is a common misnomer, as the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests in Holyoke, CO. The superior detection accuracy and reliability of hair testing make it a preferred choice. Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide an in-depth analysis of drug use over an extended period, effectively tracing a longer history and reducing the chance of inaccurate results.
In Holyoke, CO, hair follicle testing stands out with its ability to detect drug usage over a three-month span, offering employers a thorough view of an individual's substance history. This extended detection window allows companies to make informed decisions based on a comprehensive analysis of current or potential employees' drug habits.
Hair follicle testing in Holyoke, CO, minimizes the risk of tampering, ensuring samples remain untampered from collection to analysis. This testing method's robustness guarantees authentic results, reducing any chance of test manipulation, providing peace of mind with its clear, reliable outcomes.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient and accessible test locations in Holyoke, CO, and across the country. With numerous nationwide testing centers, we ensure easy access to drug testing services, simplifying the process for businesses and individuals seeking reliable, hassle-free testing solutions.
The testing process in Holyoke, CO, is streamlined and confidential, addressing privacy and usability concerns. From ordering to testing and receiving results, the procedure remains straightforward and discreet, ensuring participants feel secure and informed at every step of the testing journey.
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Holyoke, CO, both cost-effective and efficient. We offer excellent value, ensuring companies—large and small—benefit from our economical pricing without compromising speed or result quality.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing in Holyoke, CO offer unparalleled accuracy in detecting substance use. Tests provide fast and reliable results, ensuring a trustworthy evaluation of an individual's drug history. The method's advanced technology ensures high accuracy rates, making it an ideal choice for those needing definitive answers.
In Holyoke, CO, utilizing hair follicle tests supports firms in maintaining drug-free policies, minimizes legal liabilities, and boosts workplace safety. These tests equip employers with a dependable tool for aligning with compliance, ensuring a safer and legally sound work environment.
