Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening is now recognized as an effective method for identifying the usage of drugs and alcohol. Hair strands retain a historical record of these substances through the biomarkers trapped in the fibers during growth. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can show evidence of alcohol and drug use for a period extending up to approximately 90 days. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to adulterate, and convenient to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a standard #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100 mg of hair, which is the ideal sample for initial and confirmatory testing. For EtG testing, add-ons, and screenings that exceed 10 panels, a 150 mg sample is advisable. We advise using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair can't be provided, a similar amount of body hair can be collected. For head hair, it exclusively refers to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses all other types such as facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning denotes the initial entry of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step includes checking if the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient approach for excluding drug usage in most samples, courts require confirmation of positive screens for them to be accepted. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening merit additional verification.
When a sample yields a presumptively positive result during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepped for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at a concentration much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most intricate methodologies to implement.
Any positive screening outcome is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo cleansing before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the scalp-housed hair follicle.
In Sorrento, ME, hair follicle testing offers superior benefits over traditional urine tests. Its ability to detect drug use with greater precision makes it ideal for stringent compliance requirements. The test's accuracy is consistent, with fewer incidents of false negatives or positives, reducing uncertainty in workplace drug policies.
The long detection window is a notable advantage over urine testing. While urine tests are effective in identifying recent use, hair testing provides a broad view of substance history. This allows employers a more complete assessment of an individual's drug use patterns, fostering a safer work environment.
Hair follicle testing in Sorrento, ME, stands out with its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This far surpasses the typical timeframe of urine tests, offering a comprehensive picture of substance use. Employers can confidently review an applicant or employee's drug history, promoting informed hiring and retention decisions.
With this unparalleled detection period, employers have deeper insights into past substance use, which aids in maintaining a drug-free workplace. This allows for strategic planning and intervention where necessary, benefiting both employers and their teams.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Sorrento, ME, assures reliability in results. Unlike some traditional testing methods, hair testing significantly limits sample adulteration. This leads to more accurate findings, supporting organizations in making sound, data-driven decisions regarding their workforce.
Hair tests are collected under direct observation, minimizing the possibility of tampering. This increased security in the collection process ensures that the results are authentic and trustworthy, protecting the integrity of testing programs and bolstering employer confidence.
Sorrento, ME, benefits from convenient nationwide testing locations provided by Accredited Drug Testing. These extensively located centers offer quick, easy access, reducing wait times and travel hassle for users. Individuals can rely on swift service ensuring that testing is a seamless experience.
With an array of local sites ready to serve the community, Accredited Drug Testing caters to the needs of residents and businesses alike. The breadth of our facilities ensures that no matter where you are, prompt and professional testing services are well within reach.
Accredited Drug Testing in Sorrento, ME, maintains a simple and confidential process for drug testing. Ordering and taking a test is streamlined to ensure maximum ease of use. This transparency and simplicity dispel user anxieties, assuring individuals of a hassle-free experience.
Privacy is paramount during the testing process. Results are communicated securely, safeguarding personal information. This commitment to confidentiality ensures that sensitive data remains protected, fostering trust and confidence in our testing services.
Sorrento, ME, businesses benefit from affordable pricing and rapid test results with Accredited Drug Testing. Our competitive pricing offers great value, making high-quality testing accessible to companies of all sizes. Fast turnaround times add to this value by providing swift insights needed for decisive action.
Our pricing structures cater to various budgets without compromising on quality. This allows organizations to maintain effective testing programs without financial strain, reinforcing a culture of safety and compliance across the board.
Precision is a hallmark of hair follicle drug testing in Sorrento, ME. The accuracy in detecting substance use is unrivaled, providing reliable results that employers and agencies trust. The advanced technology employed in these tests ensures that even trace amounts of substances are captured, making them a gold standard for drug testing.
Beyond brilliant accuracy, speed is another advantage. Hair follicle testing produces swift results without compromising reliability. This quick turnaround can be crucial for organizations needing prompt decisions while maintaining strict standards of testing integrity, making it a superior choice for time-sensitive assessments.
In Sorrento, ME, hair follicle testing offers compliance and peace of mind for employers. By adopting this method, organizations align with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety. Hair testing ensures strict policy adherence, reducing the likelihood of workplace incidents related to substance use.
Emphasizing safety, hair follicle tests provide reliable data that aids in policy enforcement. Employers gain assurance in their drug-testing procedures, reinforcing a culture of safety and responsibility, ultimately benefiting employees and stakeholders alike.
