Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains biomarkers of substances within the strands as they grow, offering a prolonged record of usage. When harvested close to the scalp, hair allows for approximately a three-month period for detecting drugs and alcohol. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is convenient.
An ideal sample consists of a 1.5-inch length of approximately 200 hair strands (resembling the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair for effective screening and confirmation. For EtG tests, additional panels, or tests over ten panels, a 150mg sample is recommended. It's advisable to weigh the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is lacking, equivalent body hair can be used. Notably, scalp hair refers solely to hair on the head, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test samples encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory system. It involves ensuring the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and supplementing any information missing from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary check for drug substances. Although cost-efficient for excluding drug presence in most samples, positive results from Screening necessitate confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples presumptively positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
Should Screening indicate a presumptively positive sample, additional hair is taken from the original collection and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are withdrawn from hair at lower concentrations compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
For positive screening results, Confirmation is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Necessary washing precedes the confirmation of all presumptive positive samples. The complete laboratory cycle from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently dubbed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis targets hair strands, not the follicles beneath the scalp.
When considering drug testing methods in Biddeford, ME, hair follicle tests surpass urine tests due to their superior detection accuracy. Unlike the more traditional urine test, hair testing offers reliable and precise insights into substance use history. This detailed perspective is instrumental in providing confidence in identifying long-term drug use, unrivaled by conventional urine testing protocols.
Hair follicle testing in Biddeford, ME, extends its detection capabilities over an impressive 90-day period. This extensive window offers employers a thorough examination of a candidate's or employee's substance history. By providing insights over a consequential timeframe, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding hiring and employment retention based on these comprehensive reports.
Employing hair follicle tests in Biddeford, ME, substantially minimizes the probability of sample adulteration. These tests deliver dependable and indisputable results, ensuring that the integrity of the screening process is maintained. The tamper-resistant nature of hair testing secures the trustworthiness of the results, reducing any ambiguity associated with other forms of testing.
The convenience offered by nationwide testing center accessibility, inclusive of local Biddeford, ME locations, ensures testing services are quick and hassle-free. This broad reach facilitates easy access to necessary tests, reducing delays and making the overall process more streamlined for participants. Local accessibility adds to the seamless experience for all involved.
In Biddeford, ME, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and private. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, the procedure is designed to address privacy concerns while being easy to use. This confidential and uncomplicated process offers users reassurance about their personal data being securely managed while obtaining the testing information they need.
With affordable pricing models and rapid turnaround times, Biddeford, ME's hair follicle testing provides excellent value for all company sizes. Organizations can benefit from competitive pricing structures while experiencing swift result delivery, underpinning their operational strategies with reliable data at a cost-effective rate.
In Biddeford, ME, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their swift, reliable, and precise results. The technology deployed ensures high accuracy in detecting substances, providing an important advantage over other testing methods. The proficiency of these tests ensures they reliably capture accurate data, bolstering their reputation for delivering quick and dependable results.
Using hair follicle testing in Biddeford, ME, assists employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method mitigates legal vulnerabilities and enhances workplace safety significantly. Employers gain peace of mind knowing their policies are backed by reliable testing methods that are respected across various industries for their precision and reliability.
