Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for detecting substance use. It offers an extended history of drug and alcohol presence by capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to 3 months for drugs and alcohol. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for initial testing and verification. For EtG assessments, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for measurement is advisable. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other forms of hair (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug testing procedure consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into the lab's system. This process includes checking that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input absent from an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening involves a preliminary quick assessment for illegal substances. Although Screening offers a cost-effective method to exclude drug usage in most samples, positive results must be verified for court acceptance. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening require a further confirmation test.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. Drugs in hair are extracted at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing more challenging.
The verification of any positive screening outcomes is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Necessary presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Wild Horse, CO
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Wild Horse, CO, the former showcases superior detection accuracy. Hair tests boast a prolonged detection period, capturing drug use as far back as 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a limited timeframe. This extended window provides a more dependable analysis of an individual's substance history.
Extended Detection Window in Wild Horse, CO
Hair follicle testing offers a remarkable detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This extensive timeframe provides employers with a detailed overview of an individual's substance history. In Wild Horse, CO, this method allows for informed decisions, helping employers gauge the long-term behaviors of applicants or employees, thereby enhancing workplace integrity.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wild Horse, CO
In Wild Horse, CO, hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of tampering. These tests are nearly impossible to adulterate or substitute, ensuring trustworthy outcomes. The advanced techniques used in collecting and analyzing hair samples make this method a foolproof choice for those seeking reliable and irrefutable drug testing results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Wild Horse, CO
Accredited Drug Testing boasts a network of accessible testing centers across the nation. In Wild Horse, CO, individuals benefit from convenient, hassle-free access to testing services. Our expansive reach ensures clients can quickly find a nearby center, streamlining the drug testing process and maximizing convenience for all involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Wild Horse, CO
The drug testing procedure in Wild Horse, CO is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step is streamlined and secure. This approach ensures that privacy concerns are meticulously addressed, offering users an easy and discreet way to undergo testing and obtain their results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Wild Horse, CO
With competitive pricing structures and swift turnaround times, Accredited Drug Testing offers excellent value to businesses of any size in Wild Horse, CO. Our affordable rates and quick results ensure companies can maintain budget-friendly solutions without sacrificing the quality and reliability expected from their drug testing processes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Wild Horse, CO
Hair follicle drug tests in Wild Horse, CO, stand out for their precision and speed. These tests offer exceptional accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring employers and professionals receive reliable results fast. Their ability to swiftly and precisely detect a variety of substances sets them apart as the preferred choice for thorough drug screening.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Wild Horse, CO
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Wild Horse, CO assures employers of adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal liabilities and enhances safety, offering peace of mind. By choosing this reliable form of testing, companies can steer clear of compliance issues and maintain a safe, productive environment.
