Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized for detecting substances and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering a prolonged record of substance intake. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal a usage timeline extending up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and drugs. This collection method is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and conveniently transportable.
Acquiring a sample of 1.5 inches from about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields the ideal 100mg sample for both screening and confirmation processes. For tests like EtG, additional analyses, or beyond a 10-panel test, a 150mg sample is advised. A jeweler's scale is recommended for accurate specimen weighing. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be substituted. Scalp hair refers solely to head hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The essential phases in the lab processing of drug test results comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system, which involves ensuring the sample’s secure sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data updates not included in an electronic chain of custody.
The Screening phase is a preliminary check for substance abuse. While this method is economical for excluding drug use in most samples, any positive findings need confirmation to be validated legally. Thus, any samples tentatively positive require subsequent confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positivity from Screening, additional hair is extracted from the main specimen and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at lower concentrations than other procedures (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation when necessary. The lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the process examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Arundel, ME outclasses traditional urine tests in various aspects. Unlike urine testing, hair analysis provides superior accuracy with a more extended detection window, capturing substance use history up to 90 days. This thoroughness makes it an invaluable tool for employers and legal entities aiming to maintain drug-free environments.
In Arundel, ME, hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage with its extended detection capabilities. This method effectively assesses drug use over three months, offering employers an in-depth view of an individual's compliance with substance policies. For organizations requiring a reliable examination of drug use history, this extended window proves invaluable.
Hair follicle testing in Arundel, ME is renowned for its robust tamper-resistant qualities. The method significantly limits opportunities for sample manipulation, providing results that are trustworthy and difficult to dispute. This transparency and credibility assure stakeholders of the test's integrity.
With testing centers established nationwide, including locations in Arundel, ME, accessing hair follicle testing is convenient and efficient. Clients benefit from easy-to-reach services, experiencing a seamless testing process without the hassles of logistical challenges, ensuring swift service access anywhere needed.
The hair follicle testing procedure in Arundel, ME emphasizes simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering tests to collecting samples and receiving results, each step respects privacy while maintaining ease of use, addressing any concerns regarding discretion and the smoothness of the process.
Affordable pricing and quick turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Arundel, ME an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. The competitive cost structure paired with rapid service enhances value, ensuring businesses manage drug testing needs without excessive expenses or delays.
The precision and speed of hair follicle testing in Arundel, ME offer unmatched results. With its advanced detection capabilities, this method swiftly delivers results with impressive accuracy, ensuring reliable substance use information. This effectiveness is essential in time-sensitive scenarios, making decision-making seamless and risk-free.
Employers in Arundel, ME benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with drug-free policies. This reliable testing approach minimizes legal exposure and bolsters workplace safety, offering peace of mind and facilitating a productive working environment free from substance-related risks.
