Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair stores long-term evidence of alcohol and other drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When removed close to the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. The collection process is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable in diameter to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is ideal for testing and validation. For EtG enhancements, additional tests, and/or panels beyond 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the sample. Where scalp hair is missing, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. The term head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types of hair (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test outcome includes four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is integrated into the laboratory’s system. This stage involves ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for detecting drugs of abuse. While it offers a cost-effective approach to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated for it to be court-admissible. Samples yielding presumptively positive results during Screening require secondary confirmation.
For samples showing presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology to perform.
Any positive Screening outcomes are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
A shift is underway in Albion, ME favoring hair follicle testing over traditional urine assays. Hair testing offers discernibly higher precision, ensuring exact results even over lengthy periods. Its adeptness at capturing extended timelines permits employers to evaluate candidates or staff much more effectively than with basic urine tests. Notably, it guarantees superior detection accuracy and reliability, advocating for its widespread adoption in various settings.
Hair follicle testing in Albion, ME provides a significant advantage by detecting drug use for up to 90 days. This extended detection window offers employers a thorough view of an individual's substance history, unlike other testing methods. For employers, this long-term insight into a candidate or employee's past behavior is invaluable, enhancing the effectiveness of workplace policies and contributing to better-informed hiring decisions.
In Albion, ME, hair follicle tests provide a robust defense against sample tampering. Their meticulous methodology significantly reduces the risk of falsification, ensuring results that are both genuine and trustworthy. This integrity sets hair testing apart from other methods, where tampering can sometimes skew outcomes. Such reliability fosters confidence in the results, bolstering faith in this rigorous testing process.
Accredited Drug Testing brings accessibility to testing with numerous centers nationwide, including Albion, ME. Our expansive network ensures prompt and straightforward access to testing services. Whether local or national, our facilities offer convenience without the hassle, streamlining the often daunting process of drug testing. This ease of access underscores our commitment to providing quick, efficient solutions for clients everywhere.
In Albion, ME, the process of hair follicle testing is both straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to obtaining results, privacy and simplicity are emphasized at every stage. Our process not only ensures confidentiality but also caters to individual concerns about privacy. The ease of use and secure handling of data encourages peace of mind for all participants involved.
Albion, ME, benefits from our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times in hair follicle testing. Our structure provides excellent value across the spectrum of business sizes, ensuring affordability without compromising quality. Quick completion times ensure that employers can make timely, informed decisions, showcasing our dedication to offering cost-effective yet reliable testing services to meet diverse needs.
The efficiency of hair follicle drug testing in Albion, ME is unparalleled. Offering rapid, precise results, it stands out for exceptional accuracy in detecting substance use. Employers and organizations benefit from its swift processing time, enabling confident decision-making. The precision of hair testing ensures reliable insights based on substantial evidence, enhancing its appeal over traditional methods, where accuracy may waver.
Employers in Albion, ME prioritize compliance and assurance through hair follicle testing. Implementing this method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and promoting safety. The comprehensive nature of hair testing aligns perfectly with employers' compliance needs, facilitating peace of mind and fortified security measures across the workplace spectrum.
