Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as a formidable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of drugs and alcohol by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When taken near the scalp, hair can deliver a detection window of around 3 months for drugs and alcohol usage. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to ship.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest weighing the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair could be acquired. When we mention head hair, we specify scalp hair solely. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing for a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This process involves checking that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient way to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for admissibility in court. Any samples that are presumptively positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result uses methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests," the actual test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Chapman, ME
Hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine tests through superior detection accuracy that spans a longer period. Unlike urine tests, which detect recent drug use, hair tests offer a robust overview of an individual's substance use history, making it the preferred choice for stringent screening procedures.
Extended Detection Window in Chapman, ME
Hair follicle tests provide an extended detection window, uncovering substance use up to 90 days prior. This gives employers an in-depth view of an individual's drug history, ensuring informed decisions regarding potential hires or current employees. The comprehensive nature of this test supports thorough evaluation processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Chapman, ME
The reliability of hair follicle tests is unparalleled, as they significantly decrease the likelihood of sample tampering. Providing dependable results, these tests offer a level of security and confidence in the testing process that is seldom matched, thereby maintaining the integrity of drug screening.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Chapman, ME
With testing centers available nationwide, accessing our services is both convenient and hassle-free. Our local presence in Chapman, ME ensures clients experience swift, straightforward service, eliminating the barriers to drug testing and facilitating seamless testing operations.
Simple, Confidential Process in Chapman, ME
The hair test procedure is simple and discreet, addressing privacy concerns efficiently. The process encompasses an easy ordering, collection, and result-receiving experience, ensuring participants feel secure while maintaining the confidentiality needed throughout the testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Chapman, ME
Our hair testing services offer competitive pricing and rapid results, presenting an exceptional value proposition. Regardless of company size, we deliver efficient drug testing solutions that balance cost-effectiveness and performance, ensuring managerial peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Chapman, ME
Hair follicle testing provides rapid and precise results, making it a trusted method for detecting drugs. The cutting-edge technology involved ensures high accuracy, capturing substance use with confidence and speed. This reliability is key for organizations seeking dependable testing outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Chapman, ME
Utilizing hair follicle testing aligns with drug-free workplace policies, enhancing compliance and minimizing legal risks. This methodology fosters a secure working environment, allowing employers to uphold safety standards and promote peace of mind for both management and employees alike.
