Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Cornish, ME

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Through entrapment of biomarkers within the fibers of growing hair strands, hair offers an extensive record of substance use. When gathered from near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of nearly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, the sample is challenging to tamper with, and it is simple to transport.

A hair sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, provides 100mg, which is the optimum amount for both screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, and those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferable. It is advised to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair not be obtainable, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. By scalp hair, we mean head hair in particular. Body hair pertains to any other type of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing stages for drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the preliminary integration of a sample into the lab's procedure. It encompasses ensuring the sample was adequately sealed and transported, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further information not accessible via an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves an initial, rapid test for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective measure for excluding drug usage in a majority of samples, a confirmed screen is necessary for legal admittance. Those samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening need a subsequent confirmation.

If a sample reflects a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Drugs, in this phase, are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than with other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence making hair drug screening the most complex approach to execute.

Confirmation, following any positive screening result, employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo a cleansing before confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is conducted under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection range: Hair drug examinations can recognize drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a narrower detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: Manipulating a hair drug examination is extremely challenging, leading to more precise results.
• Provides usage history: It provides a history of drug usage over time, unlike solely immediate consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of identifying recent intake: Drugs require roughly 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expenses: Hair drug assessments tend to be costlier than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Differences in factors like hair color and individual hair growth can influence the levels of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cornish, ME

• Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability over urine tests.
• This method provides a more comprehensive view of substance use over time.
• It ensures higher reliability and reduces risks associated with traditional urine testing.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Cornish, ME

• Hair follicle testing captures drug use history up to 90 days back.
• Employers gain insights into long-term substance habits of candidates and employees.
• This extended window offers an in-depth perspective on substance use trends over time.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cornish, ME

• Hair follicle tests significantly reduce risks of sample adulteration.
• This method provides results that are reliable and difficult to dispute.
• Its robustness against tampering elevates the integrity of the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Cornish, ME

• We offer nationwide testing centers ensuring accessibility for all clients.
• Local centers in Cornish provide easy, hassle-free access to testing services.
• The expansive network guarantees prompt service across various locations.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Cornish, ME

• The procedure for ordering, sampling, and getting results is streamlined and private.
• We prioritize user confidentiality, alleviating privacy concerns for all users.
• Our process ensures ease while maintaining the highest standards of discretion.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cornish, ME

• Our competitive pricing structure adds value for companies of all sizes.
• Fast turnaround ensures employers receive timely results without delay.
• Economic pricing coupled with speed provides peace of mind for any budget.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cornish, ME

• Hair follicle drug tests provide unparalleled precision in assessing substance use.
• The speed and accuracy of these tests make them a top choice for employers seeking reliable results.
• The method assures detection clarity, enhancing trust in testing outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cornish, ME

• Using hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies.
• This reduces legal risks and substantially enhances workplace safety.
• Employers can maintain peace of mind while observing regulatory requirements.

Drug Testing Near Cornish, ME

Parsonsfield, ME

Limerick, ME

New Limerick, ME

Steep Falls, ME

Limington, ME

Porter, ME

Hiram, ME

Kezar Falls, ME

Baldwin, ME