Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand, hair offers an extended record of substance use. When sampled near the scalp, hair can yield a detection period of up to roughly three months for drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, composed of approximately 200 strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp, provides 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation assessments. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels above 10, a specimen quantity of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is recommended. Should scalp hair not be available, an equivalent volume of body hair may be taken. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes preliminary processing within the laboratory's system. This phase involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry that was not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for substances. While screening is economically efficient for eliminating drug use in most samples, court-admissible results require confirmation of any positive findings. Samples that return a presumptive positive result in Screening must undergo a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. In this phase, substances are isolated from hair at concentrations much lower than those in alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), a factor that contributes to the complexity of conducting hair drug screening.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary. The entire process from Accessioning through Confirmation is conducted under the oversight of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand itself, rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Eastport, ME, hair follicle testing offers clear advantages over traditional urine tests.Accuracy is a key benefit, providing detailed results unaffected by temporary abstinence. Unlike urine tests, hair exams offer a broader detection window and are less prone to tampering.
Hair follicle testing is notable for its extended detection period of up to 90 days, offering a thorough view of drug usage.
Employers in Eastport, ME, benefit from this extensive window, gaining insight into the long-term habits of employees or candidates.
The hair follicle test greatly diminishes the likelihood of sample adulteration, delivering consistent and credible results.Sample integrity remains uncompromised, ensuring accuracy in Eastport, ME.
Our extensive network of testing centers, both nationwide and locally in Eastport, ME, ensures seamless access to services. Convenience and efficiency are key, offering easy access to testing services.
Our process in Eastport, ME, is designed to be straightforward and confidential, addressing any privacy concerns. From the initial order to result acquisition, simplicity governs every step.
Clients can trust that their privacy remains intact throughout.
In Eastport, ME, we pride ourselves on competitive pricing and quick turnaround times.
Affordability does not come at the expense of speed, making our services accessible for businesses of all sizes.
The hair follicle drug test offers speed and precision, setting it apart in detection accuracy. In Eastport, ME, this method stands out for its capability to quickly identify substance use, thus providing dependable results promptly. Efficiency stands at the core of hair testing, ensuring rapid results without compromising on accuracy.
For employers in Eastport, ME, hair follicle testing helps maintain compliance with workplace drug policies.
This method safeguards businesses from legal risks while promoting a safer work environment.
