Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair acts as a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the elongating hair strand. When sourced near the scalp, hair can yield a detection timeframe of roughly up to 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment containing approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's diameter) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, and/or more than 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's recommended to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab analysis of drug tests are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial inclusion of a sample into a laboratory’s system, ensuring the sample's sealing and correct shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling any additional data that an electronic chain of custody system might not provide.
Screening conducts a preliminary rapid test for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples inferred to be positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample be inferred as positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is challenging to conduct.
Confirmatory analysis of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Each inferred positive sample is washed before confirmation, as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed for both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the test evaluates the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Island Falls, ME, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests thanks to its superior accuracy and reliability. This testing method offers a longer detection period and greater integrity in results. Comparative Advantages:
Hair follicle testing in Island Falls, ME, offers a prolonged detection period, capturing drug use over a span of up to 90 days. This extended window provides employers with a thorough view of a candidate's substance use history. Comprehensive Overview ensures informed decision-making.
The significant detection window allows evaluators to identify patterns in usage, enabling more accurate assessments of applicant and employee histories.
Island Falls, ME, showcases hair follicle tests as a tamper-resistant method to ensure reliable outcomes. By significantly reducing risks of adulteration, it provides results that are beyond question. Advantages of Tamper-Resistance:
Our extensive network of nationwide testing centers offers convenience and accessibility in Island Falls, ME. The process is hassle-free, ensuring easy access to testing services. Key Benefits:
The hair follicle test process in Island Falls, ME, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, privacy is respected at each step. Process Breakdown:
In Island Falls, ME, our hair follicle testing services offer great value with competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. This cost-effective solution is perfect for companies of varying sizes. Positive Impacts include:
The hair follicle drug test stands out in Island Falls, ME, for its unmatched precision and speed. This testing approach assures highly accurate detection of substance abuse. Speed and convenience make it an invaluable option for prompt results.
Precision is crucial for sensitive testing and hair follicle tests deliver, identifying drug use patterns efficiently. Employers and individuals benefit from accurate, swift outcomes, delaying any uncertainties in the process.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Island Falls, ME, enhances compliance with workplace drug policies. By minimizing legal risks and boosting safety, employers achieve peace of mind. Workplace Safety is reinforced through reliable testing methods.
Using hair follicle tests helps maintain a drug-free environment, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and boosting overall workforce wellbeing.
