Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term history of substances by locking in biomarkers within the strands. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil in size) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG and tests over 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is recommended. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in a laboratory drug test evaluation are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the process of entering a sample into a lab's system. This step includes verifying proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing other data entry tasks not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial test for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is economically efficient for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptive positives in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
When a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging to execute.
Any positive Screening outcome is confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes a review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: While frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually measures the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Brownfield, ME, is superior to urine testing due to its enhanced detection capabilities. With its advanced accuracy, hair testing serves as a more reliable method for identifying substance use over longer periods.
While traditional urine tests have short detection windows, hair tests offer a robust alternative, providing comprehensive insights that go beyond the limitations of urine analysis.
In Brownfield, ME, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing spans up to 90 days. This longer time frame offers employers a detailed view of an individual's substance use history, aiding in making informed employment decisions.
Hair testing's ability to detect drug use over a prolonged period sets it apart, ensuring a thorough understanding of an employee's or candidate's past interactions with substances.
Hair follicle tests in Brownfield, ME, offer a tamper-resistant solution. Reducing the risk of sample alteration, these tests ensure the results are reliable and not easily manipulated, providing peace of mind to all parties involved.
The inherent resistance to tampering enhances the credibility of hair tests, making them a preferred choice for accurate and secure drug screening procedures.
Convenience is a significant advantage in Brownfield, ME, thanks to our widespread testing centers. Located nationwide, these centers provide easy and quick access to drug testing services, ensuring a stress-free experience.
The availability of testing locations across the country facilitates hassle-free testing, making it accessible for individuals and companies alike.
In Brownfield, ME, the process of hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. Ordering, conducting, and receiving results are streamlined to prioritize privacy, making the procedure user-friendly and secure.
Addressing privacy concerns effectively, the testing process remains discreet and uncomplicated, paving the way for trusted drug screening without compromising confidentiality.
Our testing in Brownfield, ME, offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. Catering to businesses, small or large, our affordable solutions ensure excellent value, boosting confidence in the testing process.
Fast results coupled with budget-friendly pricing make our hair follicle tests an exceptional choice for companies seeking quality and cost-effective drug testing services.
In Brownfield, ME, the precision and swiftness of hair follicle tests stand out. Offering fast results, these tests provide high accuracy in substance detection, making them a preferred method for timely drug testing needs.
The accuracy of hair follicle testing ensures that substance use detection is not only quick but reliable, establishing a benchmark for expedited yet thorough drug analysis.
Employers in Brownfield, ME, find peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method ensures compliance with drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing overall workplace safety and integrity.
By employing hair testing, companies can maintain a compliant and safe working environment, addressing drug use with a reliable and effective strategy.
