Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has been recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a lengthy history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. Gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal up to roughly a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample composed of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests surpassing 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is advised. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair may be obtained. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial swift assessment for substance abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to discount drug usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be accepted in legal contexts. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening mandate a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is tentatively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All tentatively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation where required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the test thoroughly examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why does hair follicle testing surpass urine testing? In Bryant Pond, ME, the advantages of hair testing are evident when comparing it to traditional urine tests. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy, capturing substance use more reliably. The method's advanced precision reduces false positives and negatives, providing clear and dependable results.
The most significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Bryant Pond, ME, is its extended detection window. Unlike traditional methods, hair tests can reveal drug use up to 90 days prior. This extensive period offers employers a comprehensive view of potential substance use, aiding in thorough assessments.
For a reliable testing method in Bryant Pond, ME, hair follicle tests are unparalleled. The risk of sample tampering is significantly reduced with hair testing, providing results that are both reliable and beyond reproach. This method ensures trustworthy outcomes, minimizing doubts about sample integrity.
With a vast network of testing centers nationwide, including Bryant Pond, ME, accessing testing services is both quick and convenient. Our strategically placed locations offer hassle-free testing, ensuring ease for employers and individuals seeking reliable and accessible drug testing solutions.
The process of hair follicle testing in Bryant Pond, ME, is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving the results, the steps are simple, designed to protect privacy and ease of use. Clients can trust in a discreet process, safeguarding their information and ensuring seamless test administration.
In Bryant Pond, ME, Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests. Our affordable pricing structures provide great value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring they receive reliable results quickly without breaking the bank, enhancing overall peace of mind.
In Bryant Pond, ME, the precision and efficiency of hair follicle drug tests stand out. These tests deliver fast, accurate results, crucial for detecting substance use with high precision. Their advanced detection capabilities ensure employers make informed decisions swiftly and reliably, fostering a secure work environment.
Employers in Bryant Pond, ME, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing. Ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies, this method reduces legal risks while enhancing workplace safety. The results bolster the company's commitment to a safe, drug-free environment, mitigating potential hazards.
