Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair assessments has emerged as an effective technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of substance use by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the expanding hair strand. When procured near the scalp, hair offers up to roughly a 3-month period for detecting substances like alcohol. The collection process for hair is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of approximately 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) situated closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, a specimen quantity of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent volume of body hair may be collected. References to head hair pertain specifically to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four fundamental steps necessary for the laboratory handling of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial introduction of a specimen into a lab's framework. This process verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipping, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any supplementary data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening signifies a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While screening provides a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screening outcome requires confirmation to be permissible in court. Any samples identified as presumptively positive during screening necessitate additional confirmation.
Should a sample emerge as presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at substantially lower concentrations than alternate methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are utilized for confirming any positive screening results. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo a washing process before confirmation if necessary. From Accessioning through Confirmation, the entire lab process adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the examination evaluates the hair strand itself and not the root beneath the scalp.
In Waltham, ME, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing in several aspects. Mainly, it offers a longer detection window, capturing drug use history over the past months rather than weeks. This comprehensive view aids employers in understanding long-term substance use patterns, enhancing their hiring and employment processes.
Moreover, hair testing provides superior accuracy over urine tests, minimizing false negatives or positives. This reliability ensures that employers enforce zero-tolerance policies effectively. The non-invasive, tamper-resistant nature of hair tests also contributes to their growing preference among businesses and institutions.
One of the substantial benefits of hair follicle testing in Waltham, ME is its extended detection window. Unlike other methods, it tracks drug usage over a span of up to 90 days. This extensive lookback period allows employers to assess an individual's long-term substance history, making it a critical tool for comprehensive evaluations.
The extended detection capability of hair testing is invaluable for employers in Waltham, providing them with insights into potential substance use patterns. By understanding drug use over an extended timeframe, businesses can make more informed decisions relating to employment, safety, and productivity of their workforce.
Hair follicle testing in Waltham, ME offers a tamper-resistant solution to substance testing. The method's robust procedures significantly reduce the risk of adulteration, delivering reliable and unquestionable results. This ensures a high degree of confidence and trust in the outcomes of each test conducted.
Employers favor hair follicle tests for their ability to deter attempts of sample manipulation. This method's integrity provides peace of mind to both employers and individuals, knowing that the results accurately represent the substance use history. The tamper-resistance of hair tests upholds transparency and confidence in testing processes.
Accredited Drug Testing assures convenience with nationwide and local testing locations in Waltham, ME. This expansive network enables clients quick and easy access to hair follicle testing services. Our centers are strategically positioned to make the process hassle-free and accessible for all.
With a presence in Waltham, ME, our testing centers offer streamlined services that trust clients can depend upon. The availability of local testing ensures that individuals and businesses can conduct their tests promptly without unnecessary delays or travel complications, making testing stress-free and efficient.
The process of hair follicle testing in Waltham, ME is designed to be simple and confidential, ensuring ease of use and privacy. From ordering a test to receiving results, every step is streamlined for user convenience, respecting the confidentiality of individuals throughout the process.
Our hair testing procedure emphasizes simplicity without compromising on discretion or accuracy. Clients can rely on a straightforward approach that guarantees privacy protection, making it approachable and reassuring for those seeking substance testing services within Waltham, ME.
Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing for hair follicle testing in Waltham, ME, making it a cost-effective choice for companies of various sizes. Alongside competitive pricing, we provide fast turnaround times, ensuring value and efficiency for our clients.
Our structured pricing and quick results make hair testing accessible and advantageous for businesses. The combination of affordability and speed provides peace of mind and excellent value, allowing companies to implement effective and timely drug testing strategies without undue financial strain.
Hair follicle testing in Waltham, ME offers fast and accurate results, ensuring high levels of precision in detecting substance use. This method stands out with its reliability and ability to provide quick insights for both individuals and organizations. Compared to traditional methods, hair testing delivers results that help make informed decisions swiftly.
The speed of hair testing does not compromise its accuracy. Each test is conducted with utmost precision, ensuring that the detection of substances is thoroughly reliable. This makes hair follicle tests an indispensable tool for employers and individuals seeking dependable results in a timely manner in Waltham.
Employers in Waltham, ME can find compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method of testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, ensuring adherence to legal and safety standards. By deploying hair tests, companies effectively mitigate legal risks while promoting a safe environment.
Hair follicle testing supports HR policies by demonstrating a commitment to workplace safety. Employers gain confidence knowing that their zero-tolerance drug policies are backed by accurate and fair testing processes. This helps to uphold employer responsibilities and secure safe, drug-free workplaces.
