In Carmel, Maine, Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services. If you're in need of a hair or alcohol test, we specialize in hair testing and have numerous testing facilities nationwide, ready to conduct hair tests. Typically, having 1.5 to 2 inches of hair on your head or body is required, as hair can be screened for drugs, alcohol/ETG, and other tailored testing choices.
Hair follicle drug testing has increasingly become a popular method of drug screening in recent years. Many workplaces, judicial systems, and substance abuse professionals prefer hair drug tests over traditional urine tests. Employers with strict anti-drug policies, courts, and probation individuals use hair testing. The key advantage of hair follicle drug testing is its extended detection period, which can reach up to 90 days, is collected under supervision, and its cheating potential is minimal. Nonetheless, for drug use detection within a 5-day period, urine tests remain the most reliable.
* 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 is recognized as an effective method for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a lengthy history of substance use by embedding chemical markers within the strands of growing hair. When sampling near the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month timeframe for detecting drugs and alcohol. Its collection is straightforward, it is relatively tamper-resistant, and it can be easily transported.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing roughly 200 hair strands (approximately equivalent to a #2 pencil’s thickness) near the scalp yields about 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both initial screening and confirmatory testing. For tests involving EtG, additional panels, or more than 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test results involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where the sample is integrated into the laboratory's workflow. This process includes checking that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry that isn't covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation to identify potential substance abuse. Screening is a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug use suspicion for most samples. However, positive outcomes from this phase require confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples that yield positive results in Screening necessitate further verification.
If a sample shows potential drug presence during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and processed for Extraction. During this step, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower levels than those found in other samples like urine or oral fluid, underscoring the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive findings from Screening is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples considered positive undergo washing if necessary. The entire processing cycle from Accessioning through Confirmation is validated under both the standards of the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," these assessments actually evaluate the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Carmel, ME
Employers and agencies in Carmel, ME, benefit from the superior detection accuracy of hair follicle tests over traditional urine testing. Hair tests provide a comprehensive drug history, capturing up to three months of substance use, whereas urine tests only reflect recent usage. The enhanced accuracy and reliability make hair testing the preferred choice for sustaining a drug-free environment.
Extended Detection Window in Carmel, ME
Hair follicle testing offers unparalleled advantages with its extensive detection window of up to 90 days. This gives employers in Carmel, ME, an insightful view of an individual's substance history over a substantial time frame, unlike other testing methods. The ability to detect prolonged usage makes it invaluable for comprehensive assessments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Carmel, ME
For those in Carmel, ME, concerned about the integrity of drug testing, hair follicle tests provide a largely tamper-proof solution. The complexity of altering hair samples significantly reduces the risk of cheating, ensuring that test results remain trustworthy and unquestionable, providing peace of mind for employers and institutions.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Carmel, ME
Individuals and businesses in Carmel, ME, have the advantage of convenient access to drug testing services through Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide network of centers. This extensive network ensures fast, hassle-free access to testing, minimizing delays and making it easy for all to maintain their testing requirements.
Simple, Confidential Process in Carmel, ME
The process of ordering, taking, and obtaining results from hair follicle tests in Carmel, ME, is straightforward and confidential. It respects individuals' privacy while ensuring ease of use, providing users with a hassle-free experience from start to finish, addressing any concerns related to confidentiality effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Carmel, ME
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures in Carmel, ME, paired with rapid result turnaround times. This combination delivers excellent value for businesses of all sizes, providing assurance and peace of mind without compromising on quality or speed of service.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Carmel, ME
Hair follicle testing ensures precise results with rapid processing times. The method is highly accurate in detecting substance use, offering a dependable window into an individual's drug history and usage patterns, unmatched by other testing methods. For those in Carmel, ME, this reliability is crucial for making informed decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Carmel, ME
Hair follicle testing is a powerful tool in upholding compliance with workplace drug-free policies in Carmel, ME. It minimizes legal risks and enhances workplace safety, providing employers with confidence in their hiring and monitoring practices while ensuring a secure working environment.
