Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended history by capturing biomarkers within hair fibers as they grow. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can provide a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is effortlessly collected, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. "Head hair" pertains strictly to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other hair forms like facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s system, confirming proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid test for drug abuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive screen must be verified to be valid in court. Presumptive positive samples in Screening do necessitate a further confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging process.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed if required before confirmation. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the sub-scalp follicle.
In Carthage, ME, hair follicle testing provides clear benefits over urine testing. The primary advantage lies in its superior detection and reliability. While urine tests can be limited in detecting recent usage, hair tests offer an extensive view over the last 90 days. This prolonged detection window ensures a more comprehensive screening.
Employers and individuals seeking a thorough drug history analysis prefer hair tests due to their stringent collection method and minimized risks of tampering. By facilitating a nearly tamper-proof approach, hair testing delivers unmatched assurance in identifying substance usage, thus enhancing its appeal compared to conventional urine tests.
One of the compelling aspects of hair follicle testing in Carthage, ME, is its extended detection window. Hair tests can trace drug use up to 90 days, offering a detailed insight into the individual's substance history. This long-term detection is invaluable for employers looking to assess the true drug use patterns of candidates or current employees.
With such a comprehensive view, employers gain assurance and clarity in hiring or retaining valuable team members. The longevity of the detection period surpasses other testing methods, making hair follicle tests a key player in maintaining a safe and dependable workforce.
Carthage, ME, drug testing facilities underscore the impervious nature of hair follicle tests. Unlike other testing methods, hair follicle tests are exceedingly resistant to tampering, offering definitive and impartial results. This resistance is attributed to the meticulous collection process that renders adulteration nearly impossible.
The confidence in test results derives from their ability to withstand attempts at deception—a primary concern for many. By reducing the likelihood of sample manipulation, hair follicle tests present themselves as one of the most reliable methodologies available today, ensuring the unbiased integrity of the results.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures accessibility in Carthage, ME, with an extensive network of nationwide testing centers. Our locations are strategically placed for convenience, facilitating quick, simple, and stress-free testing services. This network ensures that testing is never a hassle, providing essential services without delay.
Our substantial reach means that regardless of location, efficient and easy access to testing facilities is always available. The ease of access streamlines the testing process and supports businesses and individuals requiring substantial service quality and effortless experience.
The hair follicle testing process in Carthage, ME, is straightforward and private. The streamlined ordering, testing, and results delivery process is designed to prioritize confidentiality and ease of use. From beginning to end, the procedure maintains the utmost discretion, ensuring personal information remains protected.
Our user-friendly approach addresses all privacy concerns while providing swift services. With confidentiality as a cornerstone, the process is as simple as it is secure, offering peace of mind to all clientele in need of drug testing solutions.
Providing value is pivotal in Carthage, ME, with hair follicle drug testing being cost-efficient and offering rapid results. Companies benefit from competitive pricing structures that ensure affordability without sacrificing quality. Our transparent pricing combined with prompt turnaround times promises remarkable value.
Fast service delivery and economic cost are cornerstones of our offerings, benefiting companies of all scales. Businesses appreciate the blend of affordability and efficiency that ensures they receive excellent service, driving informed decision-making without financial strain.
Hair follicle drug tests in Carthage, ME, are known for their precision and speed. They offer high accuracy in detecting substances, ensuring reliable results. The highly sensitive nature of these tests allows for comprehensive analysis, rapidly identifying drug use without delays. The efficiency of hair tests makes them a preferred choice for employers looking for fast and accurate screening methods.
The capability to provide quick and trustworthy results enables companies to make well-informed decisions. The technology behind hair drug testing is advanced, allowing for the meticulous detection of even minute traces of drugs. Turnaround times are reduced with streamlined processes, benefiting those in urgent need of results while maintaining the highest accuracy standards.
Employers in Carthage, ME, can find peace of mind through hair follicle testing when enforcing a drug-free workplace policy. By ensuring compliance, businesses significantly reduce legal risks and bolster workplace safety. Hair testing aids employers in holding to stringent zero tolerance policies, delivering reliable results.
With definitive drug screening processes, companies enhance their workplace environments, providing assurance to clients and employees alike. Through minimizing risks and securing regulatory adherence, hair testing helps businesses focus on growth and productivity.
