Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Athens, Maine. Whether you require a hair drug or alcohol test, we excel in hair testing at our centers situated in cities nationwide. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body may be used. Hair tests can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other bespoke options.
In recent times, the preference for hair follicle drug tests has increased as a method for drug testing. Many companies, courts, and substance abuse experts opt for hair drug tests over traditional urine tests. Employers with zero-tolerance policies, judicial systems, and probationary individuals use these tests. Their key advantage is an extended detection timeframe of up to 90 days, collected under supervised conditions, and nearly impossible to circumvent. Nonetheless, for detecting recent drug use within 5 days, urine tests remain the most precise.
* 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 analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a chronological record of alcohol and substance intake by preserving biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month history of alcohol and drug use. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for evaluation and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or screenings exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. This entails confirming that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial swift assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a verified positive screen is necessary for court admissibility. Samples that test positive during Screening need a secondary confirmation.
If a specimen shows a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is obtained from the initial sample for Extraction. Drugs are isolated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most complex methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination analyzes the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Athens, ME
Hair follicle testing provides significant benefits over traditional urine tests when it comes to drug detection. First and foremost, hair testing offers superior accuracy, identifying substance use over a longer period. Reliable results make hair testing a preferred choice for employers and legal entities, ensuring compliance and effectiveness in drug monitoring.
Extended Detection Window in Athens, ME
Hair follicle testing stands out due to its extended detection timeframe of up to 90 days. This broader window provides a thorough view of an individual's drug use history, enabling employers to make informed decisions regarding candidates or current employees' substance use patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Athens, ME
The hair follicle test is known for its resilience against sample tampering. Its resistance to adulteration ensures the reliability and authenticity of the results, making it a credible choice for drug testing scenarios where precision and trust are paramount.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Athens, ME
Our comprehensive network of testing centers across the nation, including in Athens, ME, facilitiates easy and convenient access for all testing needs. This extensive reach ensures a seamless process for both individuals and organizations, minimizing hassle and maximizing efficiency.
Simple, Confidential Process in Athens, ME
Navigating the process of ordering, taking, and receiving results from a hair follicle test is designed to be both straightforward and private. This ensures that individuals feel secure about the confidentiality of their testing, addressing common concerns and making the process user-friendly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Athens, ME
We offer competitive pricing structures paired with rapid turnaround times, delivering exceptional value and peace of mind to companies of every size. This combination of affordability and efficiency ensures that organizations can maintain budgets while benefiting from quality testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Athens, ME
The precision and swiftness of the hair follicle drug tests ensure comprehensive and prompt results. With high detection accuracy, these tests quickly identify drug use, solidifying their role in modern screening processes. Such dependability is crucial for employers and authorities aiming to maintain a drug-free environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Athens, ME
Employing hair follicle testing in workplace policies aids in compliance with drug-free regulations. This leads to reduced legal risks and bolsters safety within the workplace, fostering peace of mind for both employers and employees alike.