Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent tool for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substances by trapping biomarkers in the hair strand as it grows. When sampled close to the scalp, hair can offer around a 3-month detection period for substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch length of roughly 200 hairs (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for testing and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It's suggested to weigh the hair sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair can be extracted. The term head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The procedure in the lab for processing a drug test result consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial intake of the sample into the laboratory’s system. This process involves ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an initial brief analysis for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples that yield presumptive positives in Screening require secondary verification.
When a sample tests presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair from the original specimen is prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at a lower concentration than in other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which renders hair testing the most challenging method to conduct.
Positive screening confirmations are conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned as necessary before confirmation. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle at the scalp's base.
Why choose hair follicle testing over urine testing in Durham, ME? The answer lies in the remarkable detection accuracy and reliability of hair tests. While traditional urine tests might miss substances used over a longer timeline, hair tests can capture a detailed substance history. Thus, you gain a superior understanding of an individual's drug use patterns, ensuring more informed decision-making.
Durham, ME benefits significantly from hair follicle testing's extended detection window. Unlike other tests, hair analysis can trace drug use for up to 90 days, presenting a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance habits. This extended timeframe is invaluable for employers seeking to assess an applicant's or employee's long-term compliance with drug-free policies.
In Durham, ME, our hair follicle tests stand out for their tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other tests that might be susceptible to manipulation, hair analysis offers results that are both trustworthy and difficult to alter. This reliability ensures that stakeholders can confidently act on outcomes without concerns over sample integrity.
In Durham, ME, and beyond, convenient testing locations enhance the accessibility of our services. With a vast network across the nation, individuals and employers can swiftly access our facilities for efficient testing. This convenience alleviates the stress often associated with drug testing, making the process seamless and user-friendly.
Our process in Durham, ME is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, each step is straightforward and private. We address potential privacy concerns by ensuring a discreet process, making it easier for clients to obtain and trust their results without apprehension.
In Durham, ME, our pricing is affordable and our turnaround times are swift. We understand the importance of cost-effectiveness and rapid results for businesses of all sizes. Our competitive pricing structures provide excellent value, while fast result delivery supports quick decision-making, enhancing operational efficiency.
In Durham, ME, the hair follicle drug test is a leading choice for its fast, precise, and reliable outcomes. Our testing procedures are designed to swiftly deliver accurate results, crucial for timely decision-making.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Durham, ME offers employers compliance and peace of mind. By integrating this testing method into workplace policies, businesses can reduce legal risks and cultivate a safer working environment. Ensuring adherence to drug-free standards becomes easier and more reliable, benefitting both employer and employee.
