Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance use by trapping markers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When taken from near the scalp, hair can provide insight into up to roughly a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and simple to transport.
A strand sample of 1.5 inches comprising approximately 200 hairs (equivalent to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the ideal quantity for both preliminary and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional assessments, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is ideal. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for measuring the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. The term "head hair" exclusively refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is recorded in a lab’s system. This involves ensuring proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing data not captured by an electronic custody system.
Screening includes an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although it is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed before it is credible in legal contexts. Any samples that yield presumptive positive results during Screening require further confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, extra hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. At this stage, substances are extracted from hair at considerably lower levels than other testing methods (urine or oral fluid being examples), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive results from the screening is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positives are washed prior to confirmation if needed. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory procedure is subjected to a review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", this involves analyzing the hair strand rather than the follicle underneath the scalp.
When considering drug testing options in Clifton, ME, hair follicle testing is highly beneficial. Unlike traditional urine testing, hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability.
Hair testing is not only effective but also difficult to tamper with, making it a preferred choice for zero-tolerance employers and programs.
The scope and depth of hair testing provide insights that standard urine tests may miss.
Choosing hair follicle testing instead of urine testing allows organizations to implement more stringent drug policies, significantly improving workplace safety and accountability. This method ensures a more comprehensive understanding of substance use patterns in applicants or employees.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Clifton, ME is unmatched. Unlike other testing methods, it can trace drug use for up to 90 days, giving employers a broader perspective on an individual's substance history.
This comprehensive view is crucial for making informed employment and safety decisions.
By relying on hair follicle tests, businesses gain a clear understanding of an applicant's or employee's past 3-month drug use. This long detection window surpasses urine tests, making it the method of choice for ongoing substance monitoring.
Hair follicle testing in Clifton, ME offers significant advantages by being a tamper-resistant method. This testing procedure minimizes the risk of adulteration that can occur with other testing methods.
Employers benefit from hair tests as they provide reliable, unquestionable results, enhancing testing integrity and trust.
With the robustness of hair follicle testing, organizations don't have to worry about the typical loopholes found in urine testing. The collected samples are less prone to contamination, ensuring accurate and definitive results.
Across Clifton, ME, the convenience of nationwide testing locations includes our local sites, providing quick and hassle-free access.
This network ensures that drug testing fits seamlessly into your schedule, eliminating barriers and offering reliable, easy-to-access services nearby.
Our extensive testing center access supports companies of all sizes by providing flexible testing solutions. This widespread availability makes it easier than ever to meet testing requirements, regardless of your location.
In Clifton, ME, our hair follicle testing offers a simple and confidential process. From ordering to receiving results, privacy and ease are our priorities.
Concerns about confidentiality are effectively addressed, ensuring that your testing experience is straightforward and secure.
The process is designed to be user-friendly, allowing individuals and employers to navigate testing with ease. Hassle-free and discreet, our services assure all results are handled with utmost respect for privacy.
Clifton, ME offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle testing, ensuring excellent value. Our competitive pricing structure aligns with company budgets, providing peace of mind for businesses of all sizes.
The rapid result delivery enhances decision-making processes, making us the cost-effective choice in drug testing.
In addition to our affordability, our service prioritizes quality and efficiency. Timely results afford companies the ability to quickly adapt to employment and compliance needs, maintaining optimal operational standards.
In Clifton, ME, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering precise and swift outcomes. These tests boast high accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring results you can rely on. With hair testing, results are available rapidly, which is ideal for both employers and individuals seeking timely information.
Hair testing stands out because it accurately detects a wide range of substances over an extensive period, unlike other methods. This efficiency not only provides assurance in the results but also assists in upholding safety and compliance across various sectors.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Clifton, ME provides compliance and peace of mind for employers. This testing method ensures that workplace drug-free policies are upheld rigorously, reducing legal risks and enhancing safety.
By opting for hair tests, businesses can ensure strong adherence to their policies, thus promoting a healthier work environment.
The consistency in enforcement of drug policies through hair follicle testing allows companies to operate within legal and ethical guidelines, offering assurance in maintaining a safe workplace for everyone involved.
