Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective tool for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair offers an extensive timeline of drug and alcohol use by capturing biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When obtained close to the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection period for substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels beyond 10, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is lacking, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When we discuss head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary four stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary processing of a sample into a laboratory’s system. It involves ensuring the sample was sealed and sent correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial swift assessment for drug usage. Although Screening is an economical way to exclude drug consumption for the majority of samples, a positive result in Screening must be confirmed to be legally valid. Samples that are preliminarily positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
If a sample tests positive initially in the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations than in other techniques (e.g. urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is one of the most challenging methods to perform.
To confirm any positive screening result, techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS are utilized. All presumptive positive samples undergo cleansing before confirmation if needed. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle below the scalp.
In Lincolnville, ME, hair follicle testing eclipses urine testing with its advanced detection capabilities and increased reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests reveal a comprehensive history of substance use, offering employers key insights.
Better Accuracy: Hair testing delivers superior accuracy over urine tests in detecting drug use over longer periods, making it invaluable for thorough evaluations.
Extended Detection: Hair follicle testing in Lincolnville, ME, uncovers drug use up to 90 days prior, surpassing the shorter detection window of urine tests. This extended period gives a full view of an individual's substance history.
This method provides employers with the necessary foresight into potential employees' substance use, offering a clear and extended overview of their drug-use past.
Hair follicle testing in Lincolnville, ME, is an excellent choice for tamper-resistant drug testing. It significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration compared to other methods. The integrity of hair samples ensures reliable and unquestionable results.
This robust testing method leaves little room for tampering. The collection process ensures that results remain intact and authentic, providing peace of mind.
With numerous testing locations nationwide, including Lincolnville, ME, accredited drug testing centers offer accessible and convenient drug testing. Effortless Access: Our network ensures simple access to testing anywhere you are.
Quick & Hassle-Free: Local testing centers simplify the drug testing process, making it quick, easy, and without complication.
The process in Lincolnville, ME, for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. Confidentiality: Our testing keeps your information private and secure while offering a straightforward testing process from start to finish.
From ordering to taking the test, and receiving your results, every step is designed to ensure ease of use, all while safeguarding your privacy.
Accredited drug testing in Lincolnville, ME, prides itself on offering affordable pricing with fast turnaround times. Competitive Rates: Our pricing structures are designed to provide excellent value for businesses of all sizes.
Choose our services for great value and prompt results, helping you make informed decisions without breaking the bank.
Hair follicle drug testing in Lincolnville, ME, offers fast, accurate, and reliable results. By delivering quick and precise detection of substance use, these tests provide assurance to employers and individuals alike. The speed and precision of hair testing can't be overstated, ensuring you get informed results quickly.
Precision in detection plays a significant role in hair follicle testing, giving it a leading edge over traditional methods. It consistently identifies drug use effectively, which makes it a preferred choice for accurate substance detection.
Hair tests enhance compliance with drug-free workplace regulations in Lincolnville, ME, offering peace of mind for employers. They mitigate legal risks, ensuring workplaces remain safe and compliant with necessary standards.
Employers benefit from reduced liabilities and enhanced safety when they implement hair follicle testing in their organizations, maintaining a drug-free environment.
