Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Using hair samples has become regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a detailed record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the tissue of the growing strand. Once collected near the scalp, hair offers nearly a three-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil) close to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing and confirmation. For EtG and other supplementary tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It is advised to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't obtainable, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, it exclusively pertains to scalp hair. Body hair comprises all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The crucial stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug test involve Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of initially logging a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes checking if the sample was correctly sealed and delivered, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody process.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs. While Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples with presumptively positive Screening results demand secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the remaining specimen and readied for Extraction. This phase involves isolating drugs from hair in much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test itself assesses the hair shaft instead of the follicle beneath the scalp
In West Gardiner, ME, hair follicle testing holds distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. This method provides far superior detection accuracy and reliability, making it hard for subjects to manipulate. Unlike urine tests, hair tests can uncover long-term substance use with an extensive detection window, giving employers and authorities a detailed view of an individual's substance history.
For those in West Gardiner, ME, hair follicle testing stands as a superior choice due to its extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This comprehensive approach allows employers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history, significantly widening the evaluative scope commonly available through urine testing.
Residents of West Gardiner, ME seeking a tamper-resistant testing method will find hair follicle testing advantageous. By minimizing the opportunities for sample adulteration, hair testing offers results that are both reliable and beyond reproach. This testing method empowers employers, law enforcement, and individuals desiring assessments with authenticity and certainty.
Convenience is at the forefront with testing locations nationwide and in West Gardiner, ME. Our easily accessible centers offer quick and hassle-free access to necessary testing services. This network ensures that individuals and employers can rely on efficient testing with minimal disruptions to schedules or operations.
Simplicity and confidentiality stand as pillars in the testing process offered in West Gardiner, ME. The steps for ordering, participating in, and receiving results are streamlined, addressing any privacy concerns with a straightforward approach. The discreet nature of our process appeals to individuals and organizations alike.
Available in West Gardiner, ME, we offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle testing. With competitive pricing models and swift result processing, we deliver great value to corporations of all sizes. This approach not only ensures economic viability but also accords employers peace of mind with efficiency.
The hair follicle drug test delivers fast, accurate, and reliable results to residents of West Gardiner, ME. This testing technique is praised for its precision in detecting substance use, allowing for expedited results without compromising accuracy. The meticulous nature of hair tests ensures substance use detection with high fidelity, granting peace of mind to those relying on honest and efficient testing.
In West Gardiner, ME, employers gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This efficient method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies while minimizing legal risks, thereby enhancing overall workplace safety. By utilizing hair testing, companies can maintain strict standards and foster drug-free environments.