Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended timeline of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they develop. When gathered close to the scalp, hair samples can reveal drug and alcohol usage over a period of up to three months. The collection process is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 strands of hair (approximating the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for testing and verification. For EtG, additions, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If scalp hair isn’t an option, a comparative quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The main phases in the lab process of determining a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial setup of a specimen in the lab's database. This step involves checking that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any additional data input not available via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. While it’s an economical approach to exclude drug usage for most specimens, a positive outcome during Screening needs confirmation to hold up in legal scenarios. Samples that return a potentially positive Screening result must undergo further confirmation.
In instances of a potentially positive reading from Screening, an additional portion of hair is taken from the primary sample and prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are retrieved from hair at concentrations much lower than those found in alternative methods (like urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening a challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening results is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples assumed to be positive are washed as needed before confirmation. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair Criteria and the standards for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", these actually examine the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why choose hair follicle testing over urine testing in Vassalboro, ME? Enhanced detection accuracy and reliability make hair testing superior. Unlike standard urine tests, hair tests can detect substance use over an extended period, providing a more comprehensive insight into an individual’s past behavior. This long detection window ensures thorough analysis.
In Vassalboro, ME, hair follicle testing offers a significantly longer detection period, unlike short-term methods. It captures drug use history for up to 90 days, providing a detailed timeline of substance exposure. Employers gain a broader perspective on an individual’s adherence to policies, facilitating informed decision-making and ensuring a drug-free environment.
One notable advantage of hair follicle tests in Vassalboro, ME is their tamper-resistant nature. By significantly reducing the possibility of sample adulteration, these tests deliver reliable and unquestioned results. This ensures all tested individuals are held accountable, deterring attempts to alter outcomes and promoting a drug-free presence in professional spaces.
Access to testing services in Vassalboro, ME is simplified with our convenient nationwide locations. Our network of centers ensures quick and hassle-free access, ensuring seamless testing for everyone. This vast reach allows individuals and companies to conduct necessary drug testing with minimal disruption to their schedules, ensuring continuity and efficiency.
The process for hair follicle testing in Vassalboro, ME is thoughtfully designed to be simple and confidential. Every step, from ordering the test to obtaining results, prioritizes privacy and ease of use. Clients benefit from discreet handling, guaranteeing their concerns of confidentiality are addressed, while maintaining an uncomplicated experience throughout.
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Vassalboro, ME provide exceptional value. Businesses of all sizes benefit from affordable testing without compromising on reliability and timeliness. Rapid results reinforce decision-making capacities, offering peace of mind through economically viable solutions that support organizational objectives.
The precision and speed offered by hair follicle drug tests in Vassalboro, ME make them stand out. High accuracy in detecting substance use ensures reliable results. These tests swiftly provide detailed reports, making them a top choice where time & accuracy are crucial. As a reliable method, they help maintain safety and compliance in various settings, ensuring timely results.
Employers in Vassalboro, ME gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing, aligning with drug-free workplace standards. This method minimizes legal risks and enhances safety by consistently enforcing rules. Employers remain strategically aligned with regulations, contributing to a healthy, productive environment and deterring substance misuse effectively.
