Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged history of substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strands as they grow. Collection near the scalp offers up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising approximately 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG and higher-panel tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is recommended. Using a jeweler’s scale for accurate weighing of the specimen is advisable. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent volume of body hair is suitable for collection. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any outstanding data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
The Screening step entails a preliminary examination for illicit substances. Although cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Positive Screening samples mandate a subsequent verification.
Presumptively positive samples from Screening undergo further hair extraction from the primary specimen and are prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drug extraction from hair occurs at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of positive Screening results employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, samples with presumptive positives are washed when required. The entirety of the process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Termed “hair follicle tests” by some, the analysis targets the hair strands, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Stonewall, CO, sets itself apart with superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. The hair test's ability to identify substances over an extended period makes it a more reliable option for comprehensive substance history assessments.
Known for its extended detection window, hair follicle testing can trace drug use up to 90 days in Stonewall, CO. This capability provides employers with an inclusive perspective of an individual’s substance history, enabling informed decisions about applicants or employees.
Hair follicle tests are a preferred choice in Stonewall, CO, due to their tamper-resistant nature. The testing method significantly mitigates the risks associated with sample adulteration, ensuring outcomes that are both trustworthy and indisputable.
The convenience of widespread testing locations, including those in Stonewall, CO, allows easy access to our services. Nationwide centers guarantee hassle-free and efficient testing experiences for those seeking prompt diagnosis.
In Stonewall, CO, our testing process is straightforward and ensures confidentiality. From ordering the test to receiving results, the process respects privacy and eliminates complexity, allaying any concerns while being easy to navigate.
With competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, our services in Stonewall, CO, offer excellent value. Businesses of any size can benefit from the affordable options available, complete with peace of mind through timely results.
In Stonewall, CO, the swift efficiency of hair follicle drug tests stands unrivaled. These tests boast remarkable precision, delivering reliable and accurate results promptly. Their speed does not compromise their accuracy, making them an excellent choice for those needing certainty in substance detection.
Employers in Stonewall, CO, find compliance with workplace drug-free policies easier with hair follicle testing. Enhancing safety and reducing legal risks, these tests offer peace of mind by maintaining adherence to corporate standards confidently.
