Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Ellsworth, Maine. If you are in need of drug or alcohol testing using hair samples, we specialize in this method, and have facilities across all cities nationwide for conducting such tests. Generally, you need 1.5 to 2 inches of hair on your scalp, but body hair can also be used if necessary. Our hair tests can screen for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other specially tailored testing needs.
In the last few years, there's been a growing shift towards using hair follicle drug tests. They're increasingly chosen by employers, legal systems, and Substance Abuse experts over typical urine tests. Hair follicle testing is preferred by those enforcing zero-tolerance drug policies—such as employers, court systems, and parole officers—as it detects drug use over a longer timeframe, usually up to 90 days, collected under supervision, and is nearly foolproof. However, for detecting drug use within the past 5 days, urine tests still hold accuracy.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of substances via biomarkers trapped in its growing strands. When collected adjacent to the scalp, hair can offer a detection range spanning up to nearly three months for both alcohol and other drugs. The collection process is straightforward, the sample is challenging to tamper with, and it is convenient for shipping.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the circumference of a #2 pencil) from the scalp will yield 100mg, an optimal sample size for analysis. For EtG, additional features, and/or tests surpassing 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen on a precision jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, comparable body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" specifically pertains to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair varieties (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for drug test analysis consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary processing of a specimen within a laboratory’s infrastructure. This phase includes checking if the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody setup.
Screening involves a preliminary drug check. Though cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screening necessitates confirmation for admissibility in legal scenarios. Positive presumptive samples in Screening require follow-up confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive finding during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for preparation in Extraction. At this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other assessment methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a more complex method to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening results is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as required. The comprehensive laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review compliant with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Ellsworth, ME, the edge is clear. Hair testing offers enhanced accuracy and reliability, with a superior detection window. Employers and agencies lean towards hair tests for their meticulous results, paving the way for more trustworthy and longer-term insight into substance use.
In Ellsworth, ME, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection period of up to 90 days. This provides employers with a thorough understanding of a candidate's drug history, setting it apart from more limited testing options. Such comprehensive insights are crucial for making informed employment decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Ellsworth, ME is a tamper-resistant approach to drug testing. It significantly minimizes the chances of adulteration, delivering results that are both reliable and unquestionable, unlike other methods that might be swayed by manipulation.
With numerous convenient testing centers nationwide, including in Ellsworth, ME, accessing hair follicle testing is both quick and hassle-free. Whether locally or across various locations, our service ensures that drug testing needs are met with ease and efficiency.
Ellsworth, ME offers a simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing. The procedure—from ordering and sample collection to receiving results—is designed to respect privacy while being easy to navigate, addressing any concerns about confidentiality.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services in Ellsworth, ME provide excellent value. This makes it accessible for companies of all sizes, maintaining affordability without compromising on speed or service quality.
Hair follicle drug tests in Ellsworth, ME stand out for their speed and precision. These tests provide a high level of accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring fast results that companies can count on. Their reliable analysis process makes them a preferred choice for those seeking prompt and definite outcomes in drug testing.
Using hair follicle testing, employers in Ellsworth, ME can adhere to drug-free workplace policies effortlessly. This approach reduces legal risks and guarantees a safer work environment, providing peace of mind for businesses striving to maintain high safety standards.
