Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle screening in Bowdoin, Maine. For those in need of a drug or alcohol evaluation, our focus on hair analysis includes testing centers across the nation ready to perform this service. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body is required. These tests cover drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored options.
Recently, the preference for hair follicle drug screenings has increased. Employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse experts often replace traditional urine tests with hair testing. Used by zero-tolerance policy employers and probation officials, the main advantage is the longer drug use detection - up to 90 days, ensuring precise and hard-to-alter results. For drug use within the last 5 days, urine tests remain optimal.
* 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 testing is increasingly valued as a robust method for uncovering drug and alcohol use. Hair captivates a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to an estimated 3-month detection frame for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat tough to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the preferred sample for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments above 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, it pertains to scalp hair only. Body hair relates to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the laboratory procedure of processing a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary handling of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This encompasses verifying that the sample was securely sealed and adequately dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary quick evaluation for drugs of concern. Though Screening is an economical means to dismiss drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples that appear presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug screening the most intricate technique to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as required. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bowdoin, ME
Hair follicle testing provides a superior detection capability compared to urine tests. Its longer detection window and difficulty in tampering make it a preferred choice for many. In Bowdoin, ME, this method ensures greater accuracy and reliability, giving employers a better understanding of an individual's drug use history.
Extended Detection Window in Bowdoin, ME
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, unlike urine tests. Employers in Bowdoin, ME benefit from this comprehensive overview, allowing for a thorough assessment of substance history, which is invaluable for hiring and retention decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bowdoin, ME
The integrity of the sample is paramount in drug testing. Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of adulteration, providing results that are both reliable and indisputable. This tamper-resistant nature is a key advantage for those testing in Bowdoin, ME.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bowdoin, ME
Accessibility to testing services is essential, and our nationwide centers ensure that individuals in Bowdoin, ME have quick and hassle-free access. No matter where you are, testing is convenient and straightforward, providing ease of service.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bowdoin, ME
Our testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to testing and result reception, privacy is paramount, ensuring a smooth experience for individuals in Bowdoin, ME without compromising discretion.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bowdoin, ME
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround are critical for businesses. Our services in Bowdoin, ME offer excellent value, ensuring that companies, regardless of size, receive efficient and cost-effective drug testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bowdoin, ME
When it comes to drug testing, speed and accuracy are crucial. Hair follicle tests offer high precision in detecting substance use, ensuring swift results. In Bowdoin, ME, these tests stand out for their ability to quickly deliver reliable information, helping employers make informed decisions with confidence.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bowdoin, ME
Ensuring a drug-free workplace is crucial for legal compliance and safety. Hair follicle testing supports these objectives by providing accurate results that bolster an employer's commitment to safety and compliance, bringing peace of mind in Bowdoin, ME.