Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug screening in Augusta, Maine. Should you need such a test, our centers nationwide are equipped to carry out hair tests. Generally, hair about 1.5 to 2 inches on the crown or from the body is necessary. We can examine hair samples for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or offer tailored hair testing solutions.
In recent times, drug testing methods have increasingly involved hair follicle drug tests. Many employers, legal courts, and substance abuse experts now favor this over regular urine tests. With zero-tolerance policies, employers, courts, and probation services use these tests. The main advantage is detecting drug use over a longer period, up to 90 days, which involves a supervised collection process, making it highly secure. However, for detecting very recent use within five days, urine tests remain more 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 an impactful technique for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When sampled close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of roughly up to three months for both alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximating the size of a #2 pencil) from nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, considered the ideal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is suggested. We advise weighing the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a corresponding amount of body hair can be used. By head hair, we exclusively mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial inputting of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This step includes ascertaining that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and wrapping up any added data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening engages in an initial rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly approach for ruling out drug consumption in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is flagged as presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which underscores why hair drug screening is notably challenging to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the examination actually assesses the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Augusta, ME, hair follicle testing offers marked advantages over traditional urine tests.
Hair tests provide a superior detection window, lasting up to 90 days, which surpasses the limited period of urine analysis.
This extended period covers a more comprehensive history of substance use.Urine tests fall short, capturing only recent and significantly shorter detection times.
The consistency and accuracy in results make hair testing a preferred choice for various organizations.
Employers can rely on this method to maintain high standards of workplace compliance.
The extended detection window that hair follicle testing provides in Augusta, ME is one of its primary strengths. With a reach of up to 90 days,
employers gain an invaluable tool in screening substance use, evaluating long-term habits rather than recent escapades.
Such comprehensive insights are not possible with shorter detection windows of other tests.
Employers seeking thorough background checks can greatly benefit from this method.
The ability to chart an applicant's or employee's
substance history empowers informed decision-making in the hiring process.
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of sample tampering in Augusta, ME. Unlike other test types, hair samples are taken directly from the individual under observation, making adulteration nearly impossible.
Such a security level ensures reliable and unquestionable results.
This method stands out for its tamper-resistant nature, offering employers the peace of mind they require in maintaining
workplace integrity and compliance standards. Fraudulent attempt is effectively deterred.
The convenience of our nationwide testing centers, including those in Augusta, ME, ensures quick and easy access to hair follicle drug testing services.
Accessibility extends beyond major cities, covering remote areas as
well, ensuring everyone can benefit from timely and efficient testing solutions.
At our centers in Augusta, ME, we strive to keep the process simple and confidential for every client.
Cost-effective pricing and quick turnaround times are what characterize our services in Augusta, ME.
Despite our competitive rates, we do not compromise on quality or accuracy, which ensures that enterprises of all sizes receive value.
Immediate results allow businesses to maintain workflow seamlessly.
Turnaround speed offers additional
benefits, as quick retrieval of results supports timely business decisions.Companies can thus enhance productivity while controlling expenses effectively.
The precision of hair follicle drug tests in Augusta, ME is unrivaled. These tests not only provide accurate results but also deliver them swiftly.
The ability to detect substance use with high accuracy makes them an invaluable tool for employers and legal professionals.
Employers benefit from the quick turnaround time in results, allowing swift decision-making regarding employees or applicants.
Efficient processes ensure reliability in outcome without compromising speed.
Implementing hair follicle testing
in Augusta, ME can ensure compliance with workplace drug-free policies, giving employers peace of mind.
The method reinforces a company culture that values safety and discipline, reducing legal risks associated with faulty tests.
These tests help create a safer work environment, boosting employee morale as well.
Employers gain confidence in meeting regulatory requirements and minimizing potential liabilities connected with drug abuse.
