Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands maintain a prolonged record of alcohol and drug biomarkers within the hair fiber as it grows. When the sample is taken near the scalp, it can offer roughly a 3-month detection timeframe for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is uncomplicated, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A section measuring 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary testing, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. In cases where head hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be taken. Head hair refers strictly to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test outcomes comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is concerned with the initial integration of a sample into laboratory records. This part involves verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipment, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry from an electronic chain of custody system.
The Screening phase conduct an initial check for drugs of abuse. Despite being a cost-efficient method for eliminating drug use in most samples, confirmed screening is necessary for court admissibility. Any samples yielding a presumptively positive result during screening demand additional confirmation.
For presumptive positives detected in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are separated from hair at lower concentrations compared to methodologies like urine or oral fluid, which makes hair testing more challenging.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are used for confirmation of any positive results from screening. All presumptive positive samples undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The entire testing process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed against both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the examination actually focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle tests to urine tests in Vollmar, CO, hair testing provides superior detection accuracy and reliability.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Vollmar, CO, is unmatched, spanning up to 90 days.
This vast detection timeline allows employers a clear view of substance use history over three months.
Hair follicle tests in Vollmar, CO, are renowned for being tamper-resistant. The risk of sample alteration is significantly reduced, ensuring reliable results.
With convenient nationwide testing locations, including Vollmar, CO, access to hair follicle tests is simple and hassle-free.
The process is both simple and confidential in Vollmar, CO. From ordering to receiving results, every step ensures privacy and ease of use.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Vollmar, CO, delivers great value.
In Vollmar, CO, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. This testing method stands out for its precision in detecting substance use.
The accuracy is immensely high, ensuring that the detection of drugs is not only swift but trustworthy, making it a preferred choice for many.
Employers and individuals benefit from the quick processing and effective identification of substances, providing them peace of mind through immediate and credible detection.
Employers in Vollmar, CO, gain compliance and peace of mind using hair follicle testing. This method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks, and boosting workplace safety.