Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When sampled near the scalp, hair can present up to roughly a 3-month detection window for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively immune to adulteration, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the ideal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. It is advised to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equal volume of body hair may be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result primarily involves Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This encompasses confirming the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening encompasses an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While an efficient means to eliminate drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be verified for court acceptability. Presumptive positives from Screening mandate follow-up confirmation.
If a sample is flagged as presumptively positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at lower concentrations than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing proves challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo pre-confirmation washing if needed. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Usually referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Burnham, ME stands out compared to traditional urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests might identify recent drug usage, hair tests provide a more detailed history of substance use. This method minimizes concerns regarding sample validity, offering peace of mind and ensuring stricter adherence to drug-free policies.
In Burnham, ME, hair follicle testing excels with its extended detection window, revealing drug use up to 90 days back. This advantage allows employers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, essential for informed hiring decisions. Such long-term insights surpass the limited timeframe provided by traditional urine tests, ensuring a safer workplace environment.
Hair follicle tests in Burnham, ME significantly minimize the potential for tampering. Due to the inherent nature of hair samples, this testing method offers more reliable and uncontested results than urine tests. With a process designed to be substantially tamper-resistant, employers can confidently rely on these results to maintain integrity in their drug testing programs.
With an extensive network of testing centers nationwide, including Burnham, ME, accessing hair follicle drug testing services is hassle-free and convenient. This ensures quick results and easy scheduling, eliminating the usual complexities associated with drug testing. By offering widespread, dependable access, we simplify the testing process for all users.
In Burnham, ME, the process of hair follicle drug testing is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step ensures privacy and user-friendliness, addressing any concerns over confidentiality and ease. This approach encourages individuals to engage in the testing process without apprehension.
Our hair follicle testing services in Burnham, ME offer competitive pricing and speedy turnaround times. This approach provides exceptional value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring they receive top-quality results swiftly. Staying within budget while obtaining reliable drug testing is a substantial benefit for all companies seeking drug-free workplace assurance.
Hair follicle drug tests in Burnham, ME offer a swift and precise approach to identifying substance use. The accuracy of these tests ensures reliable detection of drugs over a longer duration compared to other methods. With rapid results, employers can quickly make informed decisions regarding hiring and workplace safety, giving them an edge in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Burnham, ME provides employers with compliance assurance for workplace drug-free policies. By reducing legal risks and enhancing safety, companies benefit from knowing they adhere to necessary regulations, ensuring a healthier and more productive work environment. This due diligence fosters employer confidence and peace of mind in policy enforcement.
