Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. The strands offer an extended record of alcohol and drug usage by encapsulating markers within the structure of the hair as it grows. If collected from near the scalp, the hair can reflect a detection period of up to roughly three months for substances and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hairs (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) taken from nearest the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both preliminary and confirmatory examinations. For EtG testing, additional options, or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. By "head hair," we mean specifically scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other forms (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in lab processing of a drug test outcome consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample within a lab's system. This stage confirms that the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody process.
Screening is a preliminary and swift assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, for positive findings to hold up legally, confirmation is necessary. Any samples that are provisionally positive in Screening require a subsequent confirmation step.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at considerably lower concentrations than seen in other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most complex method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleaned before confirmation as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair specialization and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the examination actually assesses the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Brooklin, ME
When comparing hair follicle tests with urine tests, hair testing dominates due to its superior accuracy and reliability. While urine tests can only detect recent drug use, hair tests offer a long-term view of substance history. Employers, courts, and professionals favor hair testing for its detailed insights and near-impossible chance of cheating, enhancing the overall effectiveness for those in need.
Extended Detection Window in Brooklin, ME
The hair follicle test's remarkable detection window of up to 90 days provides an extensive look into an individual's drug use history. This attribute is invaluable for employers seeking to understand an employee’s or applicant’s long-term substance habits. By uncovering a wider span of substance use, it aids in making informed employment decisions, thus proving its exceptional value in Brooklin's evaluation processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Brooklin, ME
The integrity and reliability of hair follicle testing make it highly tamper-resistant, crucial in delivering dependable results. This testing approach minimizes the chances of adulteration or manipulation of samples, standing as a formidable safeguard against fraudulent attempts. Organizations and individuals in Brooklin rely on this method for its assurance of accuracy and security in drug testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Brooklin, ME
With our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, accessing these facilities is straightforward, ensuring smooth and timely drug testing services. Residents of Brooklin can enjoy the ease of nearby locations, making the process less cumbersome and more efficient for employers and individuals alike. The convenience delivered is second to none.
Simple, Confidential Process in Brooklin, ME
Our process for hair follicle drug tests is designed to be both simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns while being user-friendly. From ordering to obtaining results, the emphasis on discretion is paramount. The stress-free approach ensures privacy is respected, offering reassurance and comfort throughout the entire examination procedure for individuals in Brooklin.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Brooklin, ME
The competitive pricing of our hair follicle testing, coupled with fast result delivery, ensures excellent value for businesses of all scales. This balance between cost-effectiveness and promptness provides companies in Brooklin with quality service, reinforcing peace of mind and allowing them to maintain efficient, budget-friendly testing protocols.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Brooklin, ME
Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched accuracy and speed in unveiling substance use. They deliver high precision by detecting various drugs effectively while promising rapid results. The reliability of these tests ensures they provide trustworthy data, making them an excellent choice for anyone who insists on a thorough analysis. Brooklin residents can count on these results for critical decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Brooklin, ME
Hair follicle testing supports employers in maintaining drug-free workplaces, meeting compliance standards while reducing legal exposure. This testing method provides peace of mind by reinforcing safety protocols and promoting a healthy work environment. Employers in Brooklin can confidently rely on the robust nature of hair testing to secure a productive, safer workplace for all employees.
