Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a repository for a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by securing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer up to a roughly 3-month window for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to gather, fairly challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for testing and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. It is advisable to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is not present, an equivalent volume of body hair may be taken. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary four stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the primary processing of a sample into a lab’s framework. This comprises ensuring that the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to dismiss drug use for the majority of samples, a positive screen needs subsequent confirmation to be acceptable in legal settings. Any samples that yield presumptive positives during Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample returns presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and arranged for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most intricate methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is accomplished via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are washed before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When it comes to testing in Columbia, ME, hair follicle testing triumphs over traditional urine testing methods. This is due to several factors that make it a preferred method of screening. Superior Detection is a hallmark of hair tests, offering a longer detection window for drug use compared to urine tests.
Urine tests may miss certain drugs or those taken further in the past, while hair testing provides a more comprehensive picture. This reliable and accurate method ensures that no recent or long-term substance use is overlooked.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Columbia, ME, offers a key advantage for employers needing a comprehensive view of drug use history. Unlike urine tests which are limited to recent use, hair tests provide a timeline of substance use up to 90 days.
This longer detection period ensures employers have access to accurate data for informed decision making. It's particularly useful for vetting new employees or ongoing drug monitoring, offering a clear picture of an individual's drug use history.
In Columbia, ME, one of the significant benefits of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering. Compared to other testing methods, it is nearly impossible to adulterate hair samples, reducing the risk of false negatives or manipulated results. Sample tampering is a common issue in drug testing, but hair samples are collected in a manner that maintains their integrity.
This leads to more reliable and accurate results, giving employers and authorities confidence in the data they'll receive from the testing process. Unquestionable results mean better compliance and peace of mind.
For those in Columbia, ME, Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide network of centers offers convenience and ease. Our locations ensure quick and hassle-free access to testing services, no matter where you are across the nation.
Local and national access guarantees that individuals and businesses can easily find nearby testing centers. This widespread coverage eliminates the stress of traveling far distances while maintaining the assurance of a professional testing experience.
Our hair follicle testing process in Columbia, ME, is both simple and confidential, designed to protect privacy throughout. Ordering a test is straightforward, with results delivered quickly and securely.
For individuals concerned about privacy, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that all testing is conducted with the utmost confidentiality, protecting individual and corporate interests. Ease of use and privacy are priorities, resulting in a seamless experience for all users.
Efficiency and value define our service offerings in Columbia, ME, where competitive pricing meets quick turnaround times. Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable rates that make hair follicle testing accessible to businesses regardless of size.
With fast results helping mitigate delays in decision making, our services provide excellent value for companies keen to maintain rigorous drug-free policies without breaking their budgets. This affordability does not compromise the integrity of testing.
Hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results in Columbia, ME. Precision is a key aspect, ensuring that substance use is effectively identified. The design of these tests allows for high accuracy, as they are less likely contaminated by outside factors compared to more traditional testing methods.
Speed is another advantage of hair follicle tests. Results can be processed quickly, ensuring individuals and employers alike do not have to wait long to obtain their testing outcomes, further promoting a hassle-free process in Columbia, ME.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Columbia, ME, provides employers with compliance and enhanced peace of mind. This method upholds workplace drug-free policies, thereby reducing legal risks and promoting a safer environment. Employers can be assured they are meeting necessary regulatory standards.
Through its long detection window and reliability, hair follicle testing ensures that any drug-related issues can be promptly identified. This service also aids in maintaining a trustworthy and healthy work environment, further bolstering company reputation.
