Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol intake. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide up to an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to mail.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, an optimal sample for analysis and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or examinations beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, a similar amount of body hair may be collected. When we refer to head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This encompasses confirming that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid evaluation for misuse of drugs. While Screening is a cost-efficient method for ruling out drug use on most samples, a positive screen requires validation for it to be admissible in court. Any samples that presumptively test positive during Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Allagash, ME, offers notable advantages over urine tests. Unlike traditional methods, hair tests provide a more comprehensive detection range, uncovering substance use over months rather than days.
Employers and professionals favor this method for its superior detection capabilities and reliability, making it difficult to manipulate outcomes.
While urine tests excel for short-term detection, hair testing remains unmatched in its long-term perspectives, crucial for maintaining stringent workplace policies.
One of the foremost advantages of hair follicle testing in Allagash, ME, is its extended detection window. This method captures drug activity up to 90 days back, offering employers a thorough view of an individual's substance use history.
Unlike urine tests, which are limited to detecting recent drug use, hair testing provides a longitudinal assessment, enhancing decision-making regarding employment and compliance.
In Allagash, ME, hair follicle testing is renowned for its tamper-resistant nature. This process significantly reduces the likelihood of adulterated samples, ensuring the integrity and reliability of the results.
Because of the observed collection method, manipulating or falsifying results becomes exceptionally challenging, reinforcing confidence in drug screening procedures.
For residents of Allagash, ME, and beyond, accessing hair follicle testing is made easy through our nationwide network of testing centers. Our system guarantees quick and hassle-free services, providing efficient access to reliable drug testing without the inconvenience of traveling long distances.
The accessibility of our local and national locations ensures convenience, supporting prompt testing and results.
With services available in Allagash, ME, the process of hair follicle testing remains both simple and confidential. Our approach eases concerns about privacy, from ordering the test to receiving results efficiently.
We ensure a straightforward experience from start to finish, maintaining confidentiality and ease for all users, rendering drug testing a stress-free aspect of compliance.
Companies in Allagash, ME benefit from our affordable pricing for hair follicle testing, representing excellent value with our quick turnaround times. Regardless of company size, our services are tailored to satisfy the budgetary and operational needs of diverse organizations.
Our pricing structures are competitive, ensuring the best standards and results without financial strain, delivering impressive value for money.
In Allagash, ME, hair follicle tests stand out for their speed and accuracy. These tests deliver rapid results with exceptional precision in detecting drug use, offering peace of mind with their reliability.
The process is designed for efficiency without compromising on quality. By choosing hair follicle testing, you ensure a fast, dependable outcome that mirrors the highest industry standards.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Allagash, ME assists employers in adhering to compliance with drug-free workplace policies, safeguarding their organizations from potential legal liabilities.
This method not only enhances workplace safety but also provides peace of mind for employers, knowing their screening process meets regulatory standards and helps mitigate risks associated with drug use in the workforce.
