Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as a potent instrument for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. Collected near the scalp, it can offer a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair sampling is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, composed of roughly 200 hair strands (akin to a #2 pencil's thickness) closest to the scalp, will yield 100mg, the perfect sample size for testing and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or comprehensive tests over 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When referencing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The core steps in lab analysis of a drug test outcome encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the preliminary stage where a sample enters the lab system. This stage checks the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any essential data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial swift examination for substance abuse. This cost-effective measure helps rule out drug use in most samples, though a positive finding necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any presumptive positives in the Screening phase require a subsequent verification.
For samples testing presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and processed for Extraction. At this phase, drug substances are retrieved from hair at a considerably lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to hair drug testing's reputation as the most challenging technique to execute.
Verification of any positive screening result utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete lab procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation compliance.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the actual analysis is performed on the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Winter Harbor, ME involves understanding the benefits hair testing brings over urine tests. Hair testing offers a significant detection advantage with its accuracy and dependability, reducing the chances for false negatives. Employers and agencies are opting for hair tests due to their extended detection timeframe, allowing them to maintain a substance-free environment more effectively.
Extended Detection Window of hair follicle testing in Winter Harbor, ME provides an in-depth overview of an individual's substance use. Unlike traditional methods, hair tests can detect drug use for up to 90 days. This comprehensive insight helps employers make informed decisions about potential hires or current employees, allowing them to ensure a safe and drug-free workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Winter Harbor, ME ensures that hair follicle tests drastically reduce the potential for sample tampering. Their design makes tampering exceedingly difficult, thus offering results that are both reliable and unquestionable. This reassures employers and others relying on these tests that they are getting genuine results free from deception.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and local centers in Winter Harbor, ME assure easy access to drug testing services. With a network of testing centers available across the nation, individuals can receive quick, hassle-free service. This convenience ensures that meeting testing requirements is straightforward, further simplifying the process for everyone involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Winter Harbor, ME ensures that ordering and receiving hair follicle test results is both private and uncomplicated. By prioritizing confidentiality and ease of use, clients can feel assured that their privacy is protected while navigating the testing process, thus addressing any concerns over discretion and simplicity.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Winter Harbor, ME are vital for businesses of all sizes. By offering competitive pricing along with quick turnaround times for test results, we deliver excellent value, helping companies receive the information they need without financial strain. This efficiency helps maintain productivity and employers' peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate and Reliable Results in Winter Harbor, ME are essential for effective drug testing. Hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision, offering high accuracy in uncovering substance use. They provide dependable results that help safeguard communities and workplaces from substance-related issues. Their speed and precision make them a preferred choice for those seeking reliable testing solutions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Winter Harbor, ME is crucial. Hair follicle testing helps maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By using this method, employers can reduce legal risks and enhance the safety of their work environment, ensuring a safer workplace and providing peace of mind for all involved.
