Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can archive a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug usage, encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it develops. When gathered from near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period up to roughly 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch portion of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will result in a sample of 100mg, which is optimal for testing and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or screenings exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is preferred. It is advisable to measure the specimen with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. Any mention of head hair specifically denotes scalp hair while body hair encompasses all other hair types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in the lab processing of drug testing results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial step of integrating a sample into a lab’s system, ensuring the sample was securely sealed and transported, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data inputs not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for drug presence. It is an economical means to eliminate drug use in most samples; however, any positive result from screening must be validated to hold up in court. Samples deemed presumptively positive in the screening necessitate additional confirmation.
A sample testing positive in the Initial Screening phase leads to more hair extraction from the original sample, which is then prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs from hair are isolated at a significantly lower concentration than with other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the challenge of hair drug screening.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies are employed for the confirmation of any positive screening outcomes. All samples testing presumptive positive undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Alton, ME, hair follicle testing outperforms urine evaluations, offering superior detection and reliability. Compared to urine tests, hair analysis provides a wider detection window and higher accuracy, making it the preferred choice for thorough substance monitoring.
Employers in Alton, ME benefit from hair follicle testing due to its extended detection capability, tracing up to 90 days of substance use. This allows for a more comprehensive view of an employee's or applicant's substance history.
Hair follicle tests conducted in Alton, ME significantly minimize sample tampering risks. By offering reliable, indisputable outcomes, these tests ensure the integrity of the results is maintained.
With convenient locations nationwide, including Alton, ME, accessing drug testing services is quick and straightforward. Our centers ensure a hassle-free testing experience for all participants.
The process for hair follicle testing in Alton, ME is streamlined and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is simple, safeguarding users' privacy and ensuring ease of application.
In Alton, ME, competitive pricing structures and swift result turnaround make hair follicle testing an excellent value proposition. This ensures businesses receive reassurance and efficiency, irrespective of size.
In Alton, ME, hair follicle drug testing stands out for delivering quick, precise, and credible outcomes. Hair tests consistently demonstrate high accuracy levels in identifying substance use across various contexts, ensuring that results are both dependable and timely.
Employers in Alton, ME achieve greater compliance and peace of mind using hair follicle testing. It assists in boosting workplace safety by aligning with drug-free policies, reducing potential legal risks.
