Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests are now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a long-term record of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair fibers. When gathered near the scalp, hair can yield a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. It's easy to collect, not easily tampered with, and simple to mail.
A 1.5-inch hair sample comprising about 200 strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp offers 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and screenings exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair isn't available, the same quantity of body hair may be collected. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The key procedures in lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab's system. This process verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data input not provided via an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves a preliminary check for the presence of drugs. Although Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use in most samples, confirmation of a positive result is necessary for legal admittance. Samples that are potentially positive during Screening must undergo further confirmation.
If a screening test shows a potential positive, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging method to conduct.
Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed before confirmation where necessary. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests," these tests analyze the hair strand instead of the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
When weighing hair follicle tests against urine screenings in Steuben, ME, the superior detection capabilities of hair testing become evident. Hair tests boast enhanced accuracy and reliability, identifying drug use over prolonged periods, unlike traditional urine tests that cover a shorter timeframe. For clear, unambiguous results, hair testing stands out.
In Steuben, ME, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing offers employers a broader overview of an individual’s substance use history. Unlike short-term screenings, hair tests can detect drug usage for up to 90 days. This longer period allows businesses to better understand an applicant or employee's past behavior, pivotal for informed decision-making.
Hair follicle testing in Steuben, ME, greatly minimizes the risk of tampering, delivering unquestionably accurate results. The sampling process and the inherent nature of hair make altering the results extremely challenging. This integrity ensures employers receive a trustworthy analysis of an individual's substance use, supporting fair and accurate assessments.
Offering convenience to Steuben, ME, and beyond, our nationwide testing locations, including local options, provide easy access to hair testing services. With numerous centers available, scheduling a test is hassle-free and swift, ensuring that individuals and businesses can obtain necessary evaluations quickly and efficiently, wherever they might be.
The hair follicle testing process in Steuben, ME, is both straightforward and confidential. With a simple order, individuals can proceed with testing, assured by privacy and ease of use. Results are delivered promptly and discretely, addressing concerns about confidentiality and making the entire experience seamlessly efficient and reassuring.
In Steuben, ME, our hair follicle testing services are priced competitively, offering swift turnaround times. This balance of cost and speed ensures businesses receive exceptional value, making it feasible for companies of various sizes to maintain drug-free workplaces without excessive expenditure. Results are delivered quickly, reinforcing confidence and efficiency.
Hair follicle testing in Steuben, ME, provides quick, precise results. This method offers superior accuracy, identifying substance use with confidence. The meticulous analysis performed on hair samples ensures reliable outcomes, making them an excellent choice for detailed drug evaluations. Compared to other tests, hair follicles reveal comprehensive data about an individual's substance habits.
Employers in Steuben, ME, find peace of mind with hair follicle tests, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and contributes to a safer working environment. The reliability and thoroughness of hair testing support compliance with regulatory standards, reinforcing a commitment to safety and integrity at work.
