Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug use by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol use over a period of up to three months. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is quite challenging, and shipment is uncomplicated.
A sample of 1.5 inches, approximately 200 strands (equivalent to the size of a #2 pencil) located closest to the scalp, will provide 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmatory purposes. For EtG, additional tests, or those over 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is preferable. It's advised to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is absent, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. Reference to head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug test outcomes involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage of integrating a sample into a lab’s system. This involves checking that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary inspection for signs of drug abuse. While it’s a cost-efficient method for identifying drug use in most samples, a positive outcome necessitates confirmation for court validity. Any presumptive positive results in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair from the original sample is used for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted at significantly lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening highly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Bath, ME, hair follicle testing stands superior to urine tests thanks to its extended detection window and reliability. Hair tests surpass traditional urine methods by offering a longer detection period, providing a more detailed view of an individual's drug use history. This accuracy in detection delivers solid results that are difficult to manipulate, appealing to employers seeking zero-tolerance for drug use, ensuring compliance and safety in the workplace.
Bath, ME employers benefit from hair follicle testing with its significantly longer detection window of up to 90 days. Unlike other methods, hair tests present a comprehensive history of drug use. This extended timeframe gives employers a critical advantage when surveying applicants' or employees’ substance habits, improving informed decision-making for hiring and retaining staff, while upholding workplace integrity and safety.
In Bath, ME, hair follicle testing's tamper-resistant nature means fewer risks of sample adulteration. Unlike other testing methods, altering hair samples is extremely challenging, assuring reliable and irrefutable outcomes. For entities in need of trustworthy substance detection, this method brings peace of mind through its secure, unalterable results, proving critical in maintaining compliance and trust within various organizational environments.
Residents and businesses in Bath, ME, enjoy the convenience of widespread testing locations offered by our network. Our centers, scattered nationwide, make accessing necessary hair follicle testing straightforward and efficient. With local and national availability, clients benefit from seamless, hassle-free testing experiences ensuring that obtaining these important services is both quick and stress-free, always available when needed.
The process for hair follicle testing in Bath, ME is streamlined for simplicity and confidentiality. Clients can easily order tests, complete them, and receive results while ensuring privacy at every stage. This straightforward procedure reassures users concerning their confidentiality, ensuring that their personal data and test outcomes remain secure and handled with utmost discretion and respect.
In Bath, ME, our hair follicle testing services are offered at competitive prices coupled with a fast turnaround time. This reasonable pricing structure makes high-quality, reliable drug testing accessible for businesses of varying sizes. Offering both value and efficiency without compromising on accuracy, businesses can budget confidently while ensuring their workplace remains compliant and secure.
In Bath, ME, the key advantages of hair follicle testing include rapid, precise, and dependable results. The accuracy of these tests is unmatched, ensuring substance use is detected with great efficiency. This testing method allows for quick processing and results, enabling timely decision-making for employers and entities relying on such assessments. Ensuring accuracy in detection, hair tests are a reliable choice for thorough and systematic substance evaluation in Bath.
For businesses in Bath, ME, hair follicle testing aligns well with maintaining a drug-free workplace policy. This method supports rigorous compliance, diminishing legal risks and enhancing safety standards among staff. By ensuring precise detection, employers gain peace of mind and solidify their commitment to a safe, productive work setting, fostering a culture where integrity and adherence to regulations are prioritized.
