Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination has emerged as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged history of substances by embedding indicators in the strands as they grow. When cut near the head, hair can offer nearly a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and other substances. Gathering hair is easy, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or examinations above 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample is advisable. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. Head hair refers solely to scalp hair. All other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.) are classified as body hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step of processing a sample into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any necessary data entry beyond what the electronic chain of custody system provides.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is economically efficient for eliminating drug use in most samples, court admissible results require confirmation of any positive findings. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is preliminarily positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen to undergo Extraction. Here, substances are extracted from hair in significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screen is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples preliminarily positive are cleansed before confirmation when necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standard certification.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strands and not the follicles beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Hinckley, ME, surpasses urine tests in several ways. Benefits include:
Employers in Hinckley, ME, appreciate hair follicle testing for its extended detection window, which can trace drug use for up to 90 days. This method offers a more thorough evaluation of an individual's substance history, covering a much longer timeframe than traditional tests. Such comprehensive insights are crucial for informed hiring decisions.
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the possibility of sample tampering in Hinckley, ME. The collection process involves direct observation, eliminating the chance of adulteration. This method provides trustworthy results that are nearly impossible to falsify, ensuring accuracy and reinforcing the credibility of the test outcomes.
With numerous nationwide testing centers, including local options in Hinckley, ME, accessing hair follicle drug testing is both swift and hassle-free. Our widespread locations ensure that you can get tested quickly and conveniently. This accessibility is essential for timely and efficient substance testing requirements.
In Hinckley, ME, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and discreet. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to prioritize confidentiality and ease. Clients can be assured of privacy throughout, making the testing experience seamless and without stress.
Our hair follicle drug testing in Hinckley, ME, offers competitive pricing alongside fast turnaround times. These cost-effective solutions deliver excellent value for companies of all sizes, ensuring accurate results swiftly. By choosing our services, employers can enjoy both affordability and expedited processing.
In Hinckley, ME, hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled accuracy and efficiency. These tests promise rapid results, ensuring that employers and agencies can rely on them for precise substance detection. The high accuracy in identifying drug use makes hair testing the preferred choice, providing both speed and reliability that other testing methods struggle to match.
For employers in Hinckley, ME, hair follicle testing offers not only compliance with drug-free workplace policies but also peace of mind. This testing method helps mitigate legal risks while enhancing around-the-clock safety. By choosing hair testing, employers can maintain a safe and compliant work environment efficiently.
