Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Within the strands, hair captures a timeline of alcohol and drug intake by incorporating biomarkers in its structure. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period for alcohol and drugs extending up to roughly three months. The collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (equivalent in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg, which is optimal for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, more comprehensive panels exceeding 10, or other add-ons, a sample mass of 150mg is suggested. It's advised to use a jeweler’s scale for weight measurement. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. Reference to head hair denotes specifically the scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of integrating a sample into a lab's system. It includes checking that the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigning a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any remaining data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as the initial drug use assessment. While it offers a cost-efficient means to eliminate the possibility of drugs in the bulk of samples, positive results require confirmation to be legally valid. Samples showing likely positives in Screening must undergo further verification.
Upon presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the sample for the Extraction stage. At this point, drugs are isolated from hair but at lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening notably challenging.
Confirmation of positive screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and maintains ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test focuses on analyzing the strand of hair, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Grand Isle, ME, hair follicle testing triumphs over traditional urine methods. This advanced option offers greater detection accuracy and reliability.
While urine tests detect recent use, hair testing provides a broader history, benefiting employers by showing a comprehensive view of substance patterns.
Hair follicle testing in Grand Isle, ME provides an extended detection window, capturing up to 90 days of drug history.
This method allows employers a thorough understanding of an employee's or candidate's substance use, ensuring informed hiring and monitoring practices.
In Grand Isle, ME, hair follicle testing significantly minimizes tampering risks, offering trustworthy results not susceptible to adulteration.
Employers trust hair testing for its capability of producing consistent and verifiable outcomes, guaranteeing a dependable assessment of substance use.
With testing centers spread nationwide, including local options in Grand Isle, ME, we ensure convenient and seamless access to drug testing services.
This expansive network allows individuals and employers quick and easy testing procedures, without the burden of extensive travel.
In Grand Isle, ME, the process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns efficiently.
From ordering to receiving results, each step is designed to be as straightforward as possible, ensuring ease of use and data confidentiality.
Grand Isle, ME offers affordable hair testing solutions with swift turnaround times, providing value and efficiency for businesses of all sizes.
This competitive pricing structure ensures that companies can access reliable testing without compromising speed or budget constraints.
Grand Isle, ME boasts quick, precise hair follicle drug testing. Unlike other methods, this test ensures a high level of accuracy, swiftly detecting substance use.
With timely processing, hair tests offer reliable results, enhancing decision-making for employers requiring rapid substance use verification.
Employers in Grand Isle, ME enjoy peace of mind with hair follicle testing ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace standards.
This testing reduces legal concerns and improves safety, fostering a secure and trustworthy working environment for staff and management alike.