Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle testing services in Burlington, Maine. For those needing drug or alcohol tests involving hair, Accredited Drug Testing is a leader with facilities nationwide prepared to conduct hair tests. Typically, a sample from the crown of the head of about 1.5 to 2 inches is needed. The analysis can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other specialized options.
The trend of using hair follicle drug tests has been on the rise over the years. These tests are being increasingly mandated by employers, judicial bodies, and substance abuse experts as an alternative to urine tests. Ideal for zero-tolerance policies, these tests are preferred by employers, courts, and rehabilitation entities due to their extensive drug detection window of up to 90 days, ensuring authenticity in the collection process, and being nearly impossible to tamper with. However, for the detection of recent usage within five days, urine tests remain the benchmark.
* 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 analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers in the strands of growing hair, it chronicles a long-term record. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use over approximately a 3-month timespan. Hair is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
Acquiring a 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hairs (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is perfect for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to obtain 150mg. Using a jeweler’s scale for measurement is suggested. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses other types such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The major stages in lab processing for a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the lab system. This step checks if the sample was correctly sealed and delivered, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles any extra data entry that an electronic chain of custody system might not provide.
Screening is a quick preliminary check for drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug usage in most samples, any positive screen result needs confirmation for it to be valid in court. Samples with presumptive positive results during Screening require secondary confirmation.
When a sample appears positive in the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are drawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is considered the hardest method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Burlington, ME
When it comes to accuracy, hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine tests. The extended detection window of up to 90 days makes them superior in identifying long-term drug use patterns, unlike urine tests, which are limited to recent use. Employers can rely on these results for more informed decision-making.
Extended Detection Window in Burlington, ME
Hair follicle testing allows for a broader overview of drug use, tracing substance usage up to a 90-day window. This comprehensive detection capability provides employers with a detailed insight into an individual's drug history, far beyond the constraints of conventional testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Burlington, ME
Featuring a design that significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering, hair follicle tests offer a trustworthy approach to drug detection. By making alterations nearly impossible, these tests ensure that results are both reliable and unquestionable, bolstering their credibility in various industries.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Burlington, ME
Our vast network of testing centers, including facilities in Burlington, ME, ensures that clients have easy, prompt access to our services. This nationwide availability helps facilitate a hassle-free testing experience, catering to immediate needs with minimal inconvenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Burlington, ME
Our hair follicle testing process is streamlined to ensure simplicity and confidentiality. From scheduling to receiving results, steps are carefully managed to uphold client privacy, addressing any concerns about personal data and usage with clear and discreet procedures.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Burlington, ME
We offer competitive pricing with swift result delivery, presenting excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Our efficient turnaround times mean less waiting and more actionable insights, enabling companies to make quick, informed decisions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Burlington, ME
Hair follicle drug tests offer a high level of accuracy and reliability in detecting substance use. The precision involved in hair testing provides unparalleled results, making it an essential tool for employers and law enforcement agencies looking for definitive answers. This method ensures quick results, giving peace of mind to all stakeholders involved.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Burlington, ME
Employers gain a higher level of compliance and assurance by integrating hair follicle testing into workplace policies. This method helps maintain a safe and drug-free environment, reducing legal liabilities and elevating overall workplace safety through effective drug deterrence.
