Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective strategy for detecting substance use and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive record of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the growing hair shaft fibers. By taking hair samples close to the scalp, it can reveal a detection timeframe of nearly 3 months for substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. A jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent volume of body hair may be gathered. Reference to head hair strictly pertains to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of drug testing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a specimen into the laboratory’s framework. This step involves confirming the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry not available via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening executes a preliminary rapid assessment for controlled substances. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug consumption in the majority of cases, confirmation is necessary for a positive screen to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening demand further confirmation.
If a sample shows tentative positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction preparation. During Extraction, substances are drawn from hair at a lower concentration than other techniques (such as urine or saliva), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging techniques to apply.
Confirmation for any positive screen results is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certified to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Clarification: Despite commonly being called "hair follicle tests", these tests evaluate the hair strand and do not involve the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Gray, ME, offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. One of the most compelling benefits is the prolonged detection window, providing a fuller history of drug use. This method detects drugs consumed over the preceding 90 days, far surpassing the brief window of urine tests. Moreover, the detailed analysis of hair samples proves to be more reliable for those with stringent substance use policies.
Key Comparisons:
In Gray, ME, a defining advantage of hair follicle testing is its extensive detection period, spanning up to 90 days. This broad window offers an in-depth view of an individual's drug usage history, affording employers crucial insights. By accessing a larger snapshot of substance use, decision-makers can make more informed judgments regarding hiring or retaining employees.
Employers receive a comprehensive substance use profile:
Benefits include:
Hair follicle testing in Gray, ME, stands as a robust deterrent against sample tampering. Unlike other testing methods, hair samples are difficult to adulterate or substitute. The meticulously observed collection procedure minimizes the chance of manipulation, delivering trustworthy and accurate results. This reliability offers peace of mind to employers who rely on credible drug testing processes.
Advantages:
These factors make hair testing an indispensable tool for maintaining integrity in drug testing.
The convenience of Accredited Drug Testing is evident in our nationwide presence, including in Gray, ME. Our extensive network of testing centers provides straightforward access to reliable testing services. This ensures that individuals and companies alike have no difficulty locating a site for testing, irrespective of where they are located.
Benefits:
In Gray, ME, our hair follicle testing process is crafted to be both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to taking it at a certified center, then receiving the results online or via regular mail, every step safeguards your privacy. This dedication to confidentiality champions clients' rights while establishing ease and trust in our testing services.
Process Highlights:
Accredited Drug Testing in Gray, ME, excels in offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times. Our cost-effective hair follicle testing solutions provide businesses with the assurance they need to conduct comprehensive drug testing without financial strain. With rapid result delivery, clients receive value that aligns with their budgetary needs,
Benefits include:
In Gray, ME, the speed and accuracy of hair follicle drug testing stand unparalleled. This method provides immediate insight into substance use, ensuring employers receive fast and precise results. The advanced capabilities of hair testing allow for exact drug detection, ensuring that businesses maintain a drug-free environment with utmost efficiency and reliability.
Benefits include:
Hair testing technology has evolved to provide more accurate results in less time, making it the preferred choice for many employers and individuals who value accuracy and speed.
Employers in Gray, ME, can achieve peace of mind using hair follicle testing to bolster drug-free workplace policies. This method aligns with compliance requirements and diminishes the risk of legal complications. It promotes a secure work environment by identifying substance misuse accurately and reliably, thus elevating workplace safety standards.
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