Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers in the strands of hair as they grow. When cut close to the scalp, hair offers an approximately 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to use 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. In cases where scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The sequence of laboratory procedures in processing drug test results comprises Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning focuses on the preliminary handling of a specimen within a lab's framework. It involves confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a primary assessment for drug use detection. Although Screening provides a cost-efficient way to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive result requires subsequent confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples with presumptively positive results during Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen to prepare for Extraction. This phase involves obtaining drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation, as needed. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized both under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is actually performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Dixfield, ME, hair follicle tests are increasingly preferred over urine tests. Benefits include a longer detection window and less susceptibility to tampering. This reliability makes hair testing a superior choice, offering extended histories of drug use compared to traditional urine tests. For employers, the comprehensive scope of hair testing ensures better compliance with zero-tolerance policies.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing offers employers in Dixfield, ME, a detailed view of an individual's substance history. Able to track drug use over 90 days, these tests provide a clearer understanding of habitual use rather than recent episodes. This allows businesses to make more informed decisions when hiring applicants focused on long-term health and compliance.
With its tamper-resistant nature, hair follicle testing in Dixfield, ME, minimizes the risk of sample alterations, providing trustworthy results. Unlike urine tests, hair samples cannot be easily manipulated or substituted, enhancing the reliability of the test outcomes and preserving the integrity of the diagnostic process.
Dixfield, ME, benefits from nationwide testing centers, providing convenient access to hair follicle testing services. Ensuring hassle-free appointments, these centers are strategically located for quick and efficient service, easing the logistics for individuals and businesses seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
In Dixfield, ME, the hair follicle testing process emphasizes simplicity and confidentiality. The straightforward order, collection, and result delivery ensure a user-friendly experience. Moreover, personal information protection remains a priority, ensuring privacy throughout the testing process, which encourages wider acceptance of hair testing.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround, hair follicle testing in Dixfield, ME, presents excellent value. Our competitive rates and speedy results cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising on the quality and reliability of the service provided.
Hair follicle drug tests in Dixfield, ME, assure fast and precise results. Their accuracy far surpasses traditional methods by identifying substance use with high precision. The swift processing ensures stakeholders receive timely updates, aligning with strict schedules and requirements. Such excellence places hair testing at the forefront of reliable diagnostics.
Employers in Dixfield, ME, gain peace of mind using hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This testing method mitigates legal risks while enhancing workplace safety by maintaining a clear, compliant environment. The efficacy of hair testing contributes significantly to comprehensive employee management strategies.
