Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug use. It offers a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs, capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. Located near the scalp, hair samples can deliver up to a 3-month detection window for substances like alcohol. Additionally, hair is easy to collect, resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprised of around 200 strands (equal to the thickness of a #2 pencil), will weigh about 100mg, which is the perfect amount for screening and validation. For EtG, added tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is preferred. We suggest weighing the hair on a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes other types like facial or arm hair.
Process Overview
Processing a drug test in a lab involves four core stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the sample’s entry into the lab system. This involves checking if it was sealed and shipped suitably, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data that is not provided by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for drug abuse. While it's a cost-effective screening method, any positive results must be confirmed for legal acceptance. Samples that test positive initially require further Confirmation.
When Screening indicates a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for further processing. During Extraction, drugs are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods like urine or saliva, making hair drug testing particularly challenging to perform.
Any positive findings from Screening undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All confirmed positive samples are cleaned as necessary before final Confirmation. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is rigorously reviewed under the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is of the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Choose Hair Follicle Testing in San Acacio, CO?
When comparing to traditional urine tests, hair testing distinguishes itself with superior reliability and accuracy. Hair tests identify substance use over extended periods, offering a clearer picture of an individual's history.
Extended Detection Period in San Acacio, CO
Hair follicle tests offer a substantial 90-day detection window for drug use, way surpassing the scope of urine tests. This provides employers a thorough understanding of a candidate's history.
Secure and Non-manipulatable Testing in San Acacio, CO
Hair follicle drug tests offer a highly tamper-resistant method, ensuring credible results. Unlike other methods, the risk of sample adulteration is significantly minimized.
Accessible Testing Locations Across the Nation and Locally in San Acacio, CO
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures that obtaining a test is both straightforward and just a step away. Experience hassle-free testing in numerous locations.
Streamlined, Private Testing Process in San Acacio, CO
The straightforward and confidential nature of our hair follicle testing process guarantees privacy at every stage, from ordering to receiving results.
Cost-Effective and Prompt Services in San Acacio, CO
Our competitive pricing paired with swift result turnaround makes hair follicle testing an attractive option for businesses large and small.
In San Acacio, CO, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their rapid and precise outcomes. Boasting high accuracy, these tests effectively confirm substance use, ensuring reliable results.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety for Employers in San Acacio, CO
Implementing hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing potential legal concerns and enhancing overall safety.