In Appleton, Maine, Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing. Whether your need is a hair drug or alcohol assessment, our expertise in hair testing is nationwide, with facilities available across all cities. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body is necessary. Hair analyses can screen for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored testing options.
Hair follicle drug testing has increasingly become a preferred method for substance examination. Employers, the judiciary, and Substance Abuse experts often favor hair over urine testing. Employed by organizations upholding strict no-drug policies, courts, and probation departments, hair tests offer an extended detection window up to 90 days, are conducted under observation, and are nearly cheat-proof. However, for recent drug use within 5 days, urine tests remain more reliable.
* 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 has gained recognition as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Through capturing biomarkers within the fibers of a growing hair strand, hair offers a comprehensive long-term history of alcohol and other drugs. When collected close to the scalp, hair provides a detection period of up to 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and simple to ship.
A 1.5-inch hair sample of roughly 200 strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, add-ons, and/or extending tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is recommended. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar amount of body hair can be collected. Head hair refers specifically to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result entails four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the introductory processing of a sample into a lab's system. This step includes ensuring proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry not provided via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid test for illicit drugs. Although Screening is a cost-efficient way to eliminate drug use suspicion on most samples, any positive result must be confirmed to be admissible for legal purposes. Samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
If a sample exhibits a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and processed for Extraction. At this step, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing one of the most intricate processes to conduct.
Confirmation of any presumptive positive result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that show presumptive positives are washed before confirmation as needed. Both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accredit the entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test itself analyzes the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Appleton, ME
Hair follicle tests offer significant advantages over traditional urine tests, notably in their detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which can only identify recent use, hair tests provide a broader overview of an individual’s drug history. This comprehensive approach helps in implementing more informed hiring and compliance decisions.
Extended Detection Window in Appleton, ME
The ability of hair follicle testing to detect drug use over a period of up to 90 days offers employers thorough insights into an individual’s substance use history. This expanded window is invaluable for understanding long-term habits, contributing to more informed employment and management decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Appleton, ME
Hair follicle tests are inherently resistant to tampering, significantly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. The reliability and integrity of the results provide employers and organizations with confidence in the accuracy of the testing outcomes, ensuring the credibility of their drug testing programs.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Appleton, ME
With our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including local sites in Appleton, ME, we provide convenient, hassle-free testing access. This wide reach ensures that individuals and employers can avail timely and efficient drug testing services, no matter their location.
Simple, Confidential Process in Appleton, ME
Our drug testing services boast a straightforward and confidential process, from ordering to results. This ensures that privacy concerns are addressed while maintaining ease of use. Customers experience a seamless journey, ensuring peace of mind throughout the testing continuum.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Appleton, ME
We are committed to offering competitive pricing structures without compromising on quality or turnaround time. Quick and efficient results complement cost-effective solutions, providing excellent value and assurance to organizations of varying sizes and sectors.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Appleton, ME
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering rapid, precise results. These assessments achieve high accuracy levels in identifying substance use, making them an excellent choice for employers aiming to ensure a drug-free workplace. The reliable speed and precision of these tests support timely decision-making, maintaining operational efficiency.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Appleton, ME
Employers using hair follicle testing benefit from compliance with drug-free workplace policies, substantially reducing legal risks. This method enhances workplace safety, offering employers peace of mind by ensuring a secure and compliant environment for all employees.
