Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can provide an extended history of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers in the strands of hair as it grows. When harvested near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use within a detection period of up to three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for initial testing and subsequent confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or panels beyond 10, it is suggested to collect 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler's scale for accurate measurement is advised. If scalp hair is not present, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. Note that head hair refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory process comprises four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory system. This involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude substance usage from most samples, a confirmed positive screen is required for legal admissibility. Samples showing presumptive positives during Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample is presumptive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), which makes hair drug screening a more challenging process.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Edgecomb, ME, decidedly trumps traditional urine tests, thanks to its superior detection accuracy. The adeptness of hair tests in identifying trace substances offers an unmatched reliability that urine tests lack. In competitive scenarios such as employment screenings, this advantage emphasizes the efficacy of hair testing, making it a preferred choice for those aiming for the most foolproof assessments.
Hair follicle testing provides a substantial detection window of up to 90 days, covering extensive periods that urine tests cannot match. This attribute allows employers in Edgecomb, ME, a thorough analysis of an individual's substance use history. Such a comprehensive review can significantly aid in evaluating potential or current employees, ensuring a substance-free workplace.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering, making it a more secure testing method. In Edgecomb, ME, the robustness of this testing technique safeguards against sample adulteration. The results are dependable and unassailable, offering peace of mind for both employers and other stakeholders relying on these tests.
Accredited Drug Testing, with its extensive network of testing centers, offers unparalleled convenience with locations available nationwide and locally in Edgecomb, ME. This network ensures that individuals and businesses can easily access testing services without unnecessary difficulties or travel, streamlining the testing process with minimal disruption.
In Edgecomb, ME, the process is straightforward and discreet for ordering and receiving hair follicle test results. Concerns about privacy and ease of use are seamlessly addressed, ensuring that individuals undergo testing without hassle. The simplicity of the process reassures users, making it accessible and non-intrusive for everyone involved.
Edgecomb, ME, benefits from competitive pricing and swift turnaround times offered by hair follicle testing services. Organizations can avail themselves of cost-effective testing solutions without compromising on quality or speed. This balance of affordability and promptness guarantees value for businesses of all sizes, enhancing their operational efficiency.
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests deliver quick and accurate results in Edgecomb, ME. Their accuracy in identifying substance use makes them an invaluable tool for numerous institutions. Employers and other agencies benefit from the high reliability of this method, ensuring confidence in test outcomes. This efficiency translates into faster decision-making and reduces waiting times for results.
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, providing employers in Edgecomb, ME, with peace of mind. This method reduces legal vulnerabilities and enhances safety by maintaining compliance. Employers benefit from these straightforward testing processes, fostering a more secure and efficient working environment.
