Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has emerged as an influential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a prolonged chronicle of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal up to an estimated 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is uncomplicated, relatively challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to dispatch.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands akin to the size of a #2 pencil nearest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We advocate using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. In instances where scalp hair is inaccessible, an identical quantity of body hair may be used. The term head hair specifically denotes scalp hair. Conversely, body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The key phases in the laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s protocol. This encompasses validating the sample’s secure sealing and correct shipping, allotting a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and managing any supplementary data input not accommodated by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to dismiss drug usage for most samples, a positive result from Screening mandates verification for legal acceptance. Any samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent validation.
Should a sample display a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most complex technique to conduct.
Validation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive are cleansed prior to validation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Validation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself assesses the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Verona, ME, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing by offering superior detection accuracy. This advantage is due to its longer detection window, allowing it to uncover substance use that urine tests might miss. Moreover, hair tests are more reliable and nearly impossible to tamper with, making them ideal for situations requiring stringent drug policies.
Hair follicle testing in Verona, ME provides an extensive detection window, capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior. This extensive window gives companies a broader understanding of an individual's substance history, allowing for more informed decisions regarding employment. Hair tests provide employers with a comprehensive substance history of applicants or employees.
The hair follicle testing method significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering in Verona, ME. Its design ensures undeniable and trustworthy results, greatly reducing the possibility of adulteration. This integrity in testing provides peace of mind, ensuring that the results are both reliable and accurate.
With numerous testing centers nationwide, including local options in Verona, ME, getting a hair follicle drug test is both convenient and effortless. This widespread availability ensures that individuals and businesses have quick and hassle-free access to high-quality testing services whenever needed.
Ordering and completing a hair follicle drug test in Verona, ME is straightforward and ensures full confidentiality. The privacy and simplicity of the process address any concerns. From scheduling to receiving results, the procedures are designed to be user-friendly, maintaining discretion throughout the entire testing experience.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times make hair follicle drug testing an attractive option in Verona, ME. These affordable services offer exceptional value, accommodating companies of any size while ensuring prompt results, thus supporting businesses in maintaining cost-efficiency.
Hair follicle drug testing in Verona, ME ensures rapid and precise detection of substances. These tests are renowned for their high level of accuracy, identifying drug use effectively. With state-of-the-art technology and testing methods, hair follicle tests deliver reliable results quickly, offering individuals and employers the confidence needed when addressing substance use.
In Verona, ME, hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies. By implementing these tests, companies can reduce potential legal liabilities and create a safer work environment. The use of hair follicle tests aligns corporate practices with compliance standards, contributing to peace of mind for employers.
