Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the growing strands, offering an extended history of substance use. Samples taken near the scalp can reflect up to a 3-month period of drug and alcohol detection. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil lead) from the scalp yields 100mg, optimal for screening and verification. For EtG, additional panels, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is ideal. We advise measuring the hair on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't obtainable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair exclusively mean scalp hair. Body hair includes other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug tests comprises four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves incorporating the sample into a lab's system. This phase checks that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any additional necessary data entry not covered by an electronic tracking system.
The Screening phase provides an initial assessment for substances of abuse. Although cost-effective for eliminating most negative samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples that test presumptively positive require further verification.
During Extraction, if a sample is found positive in Screening, additional hair is prepared for detailed analysis. Drug concentrations are extracted at lower levels than other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), marking hair drug screening as highly challenging.
Positive results from Screening are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptively positive samples are cleaned as necessary before confirmation. The overall lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to the protocols set by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strands, not the follicles beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Leeds, ME
In comparison to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy, ensuring reliability. This is due to its extended detection window and resistance to tampering, which gives it a distinct advantage. Hair tests provide a clearer view of long-term substance use, offering enhanced detection capabilities over the standard urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Leeds, ME
The advantage of hair follicle testing lies in its ability to detect drug use over an extended period—up to 90 days. This extensive window allows employers to gain comprehensive insights into an employee’s or applicant’s history, which is crucial for informed decision-making, especially when long-term substance use patterns are of concern.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Leeds, ME
Hair follicle tests are highly tamper-resistant, significantly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. This ensures that test results are reliable and unquestionable. As a result, hair testing is favored in contexts where sample integrity and accuracy are paramount, offering a dependable option for drug screening.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Leeds, ME
With testing centers nationwide and local accessibility in Leeds, ME, Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient access to testing services. This wide network ensures that individuals or businesses can easily approach for testing, with a simple, hassle-free process to meet their drug screening needs promptly and efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Leeds, ME
Our process for ordering, taking, and receiving results is designed to be simple and confidential. This addresses privacy concerns and ensures ease of use, offering individuals and businesses a streamlined experience that respects privacy while delivering accurate, quick results efficiently.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Leeds, ME
We offer competitive pricing structures and fast turnaround times for hair follicle drug testing in Leeds, ME. This provides excellent value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring they receive quick, reliable results without exceeding budgetary constraints, thus facilitating efficient operational decision-making.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Leeds, ME
Hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. They are designed to deliver precise information regarding substance use, ensuring high accuracy over other conventional testing methods. This ensures that individuals or employers receive trustworthy results, quickly aiding in decision-making processes in professional or personal settings.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Leeds, ME
Employers in Leeds, ME benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal risks, enhances safety, and provides peace of mind, knowing that the workforce meets established health and safety standards, maintaining a safer and compliant work environment.
