At Accredited Drug Testing, we offer comprehensive hair follicle drug testing in Andover, ME. Whether for a drug or alcohol test, our expertise in hair analysis is unmatched. With test centers nationwide, including all major cities, we ensure accessible hair testing services. Typically requiring 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body, hair tests can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, and other specific substances.
The use of hair follicle drug testing has increased in recent years, favored over traditional urine testing by employers, courts, and substance abuse professionals. This method is ideal for zero-tolerance workplaces, legal cases, and individuals on supervised release. A primary advantage is its longer detection window, up to 90 days, minimizing the risk of tampering with the sample. For recent drug use, urine tests remain most effective within the first 5 days.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair testing is widely regarded as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive record of alcohol and drugs over time by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. Collected near the scalp, hair can provide an approximate 3-month detection range for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of roughly 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen amount is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be obtained. In reference to head hair, we pertain to scalp hair exclusively. Body hair denotes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Summary of Process
The primary steps in laboratory drug test processing are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab’s system. This step includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening incorporates a preliminary quick analysis for drugs of abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-effective approach to rule out drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation for court admissibility. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening require secondary confirmation.
For samples with a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to perform.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo necessary washing. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Andover, ME. Hair testing offers significantly longer detection windows compared to urine tests, capturing drug use history up to 90 days. This ability provides more comprehensive insights into an individual's behavior, making it superior for long-term monitoring and accuracy.
Unlike urine tests, which only capture recent drug use, hair follicle tests are nearly impossible to cheat. This advanced testing method ensures that employers, courts, and probation services get an accurate assessment, minimizing the risk of false negatives.
Extended Detection Window in Andover, ME. Hair follicle testing excels in offering a notable detection period of up to 90 days, capturing a broader overview of an individual's substance use history. This extensive window is crucial for employers seeking in-depth evaluations.
The prolonged detection period provided by hair testing is beneficial for applicants or employees, offering transparency about their past drug use. In comparison to shorter urine detection timelines, it delivers critical insights into substance use patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Andover, ME. Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the likelihood of sample tampering. With robust collection and testing protocols, this method provides reliable and unalterable results, giving businesses peace of mind.
The integrity of hair testing lies in its resistance to manipulation, setting it apart from other methods. Employers gain confidence in the truthfulness of the data, reinforcing its trustworthiness for critical decisions.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Andover, ME. Our extensive network of testing centers ensures that accessing drug testing services is straightforward and hassle-free. Whether in Andover or elsewhere, you can quickly find a location near you.
Accredited Drug Testing caters to individuals and organizations with varied needs by offering convenient options for testing. The availability of multiple locations eliminates long wait times and allows for a flexible testing experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Andover, ME. Our hair follicle testing follows a straightforward process from ordering to obtaining results, designed to ensure privacy and ease of use. Clients can rest assured their information remains confidential.
The simplicity of our testing procedure alleviates concerns around privacy, offering an efficient path to obtaining the necessary results. Clients in Andover benefit from a seamless experience, maintaining their peace of mind.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Andover, ME. Accredited Drug Testing provides competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, offering excellent value to businesses of all sizes. This efficient system ensures companies remain informed without incurring major costs.
For clients in Andover, ME, our cost-effective solutions and rapid results support budgeting needs while guaranteeing quality testing, enabling businesses to prioritize both economic and operational effectiveness.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Andover, ME. Hair follicle drug tests are known for delivering results quickly without compromising accuracy. This testing method provides a high level of precision in detecting substance use, offering employers confidence in the validity of the results they receive.
Advanced techniques in hair testing ensure that any substances used are accurately identified, providing essential data faster than many traditional methods. Employers in Andover, ME, can rely on this testing approach to make informed decisions swiftly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Andover, ME. Hair follicle testing ensures alignment with workplace policies on drug use, helping employers manage legal risks effectively. By maintaining a drug-free workplace, employee safety and productivity enhance.
Employers using this advanced method achieve compliance effortlessly. The robust safeguards against manipulation foster a secure environment, upholding corporate integrity and employee trust in Andover, ME.