Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
As a formidable means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing has gained recognition. Hair provides an extended history of alcohol and drug use by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of its growing strands. When collected close to the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. It's easy to collect and somewhat resistant to tampering, and it simplifies shipping.
A 1.5-inch length with roughly 200 hair strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields about 100mg, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If head hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair can be gathered. 'Head hair' refers solely to scalp hair, while 'body hair' denotes all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result primarily involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial sample processing within the lab’s system. This step includes verifying the sample's proper seal and shipment, the assignment of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and the completion of additional data entry outside of an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective way to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for court admissibility. Presumptive positive samples in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
For samples presumptively positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and advanced to the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than other testing methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening a challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing, if necessary, before confirmation. Every aspect, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests", the analysis centers on the hair strand, not the scalp follicle.
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine tests in Hanover, ME, the superiority of the former becomes clear. Hair tests detect a wider range of substances with greater accuracy. Unlike urine tests, which can be subject to various attempts at evasion, hair testing minimizes the risk of tampering and offers a far-reaching detection period.
Extended detection window provides a clearer picture of an individual's substance use history in Hanover, ME, through hair follicle testing. Unlike urine tests, which only show recent use, hair tests can trace drug consumption over the past 90 days.
In Hanover, ME, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing dramatically minimizes the likelihood of adulteration. This method eradicates concerns over sample manipulation that are prevalent with urine tests.
With accessible testing locations throughout Hanover, ME and beyond, our services offer convenience and ease. This nationwide network guarantees swift and efficient access to drug testing facilities.
In Hanover, ME, the hair follicle testing process prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality, ensuring user peace of mind. With easy test orders, straightforward sampling, and secure result delivery, the steps involved are uncomplicated.
Competitive pricing and rapid service distinguish our hair follicle testing in Hanover, ME. We offer an affordable solution for organizations of various sizes, with quick result times that enhance cost-effectiveness.
In Hanover, ME, hair follicle drug tests offer precision combined with swiftness. The sophisticated technology used in these tests ensures accurate identification of substance use, eliminating uncertainties that might arise from other testing methods.
Employers in Hanover, ME can have peace of mind when using hair follicle tests to ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This not only fosters a safer work environment but also mitigates potential legal risks.
