Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become acknowledged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair stores a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month window of detection for alcohol and drugs. It's straightforward to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands close to the scalp (roughly the size of a #2 pencil), will amount to 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing into the lab’s system. This step entails verifying proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry not covered by the electronic chain of custody system.
In Screening, an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse is conducted. Screening is a cost-efficient means to dismiss drug use in most samples; however, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in court. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
In the event of a presumptive positive result at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive Screen is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if needed. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the complete lab process is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Choose Hair Follicle over Urine Testing in Limington, ME? Hair follicle tests triumph with higher detection accuracy compared to urine tests.
The shift from urine to hair testing in Limington, ME, is evident due to superior accuracy. Hair follicle tests extend the detection window significantly, easily identifying drug use over months as opposed to days, hence enhancing decision-making.
Extended Detection Window Hair follicle tests in Limington, ME, feature an impressive detection period of up to 90 days.
The prolonged detection capability of hair follicle testing sets it apart, offering a detailed examination of drug use over time. Employers gain a valuable tool in assessing applicants' or employees' substance use history, going beyond recent activities.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method Hair follicle drug tests in Limington, ME, minimize adulteration risks significantly.
In Limington, ME, the tamper-resistant nature of hair tests is a significant benefit. Their reliability offers peace of mind, assuring stakeholders of untainted results crucial for maintaining integrity in various settings.
Convenience in Limington, ME, is assured with our Nationwide Testing Locations.
Finding a test center in Limington, ME, is straightforward. Our comprehensive network promises quick, accessible services, streamlining the testing procedure and providing reassurance, knowing a center is always within easy reach.
The Simple, Confidential Process for testing in Limington, ME, ensures ease and privacy.
Simplicity and confidentiality are at the forefront of our hair follicle test process in Limington, ME. From setup to result delivery, the focus is on straightforwardness, ensuring user-friendly experiences while safeguarding personal data at every step.
In Limington, ME, our hair follicle tests offer Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround.
Our pricing structure in Limington, ME, aligns with a commitment to affordability and promptness. Companies benefit from exceptional service quality and fast turnaround, achieving impactful results without financial strain.
In Limington, ME, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its swift and precise outcomes. Accuracy is paramount, capturing substance use effectively.
Hair follicle testing not only delivers rapid results but also boasts unmatched accuracy. Designed to detect various substances, these tests present a reliable snapshot of an individual's drug history, thereby helping in informed decisions swiftly and confidently.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers Hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, vital in Limington, ME.
Employers in Limington, ME, achieve peace of mind and legal compliance through hair follicle testing, reinforcing drug-free workplace policies. Enhanced safety and reduced legal threats contribute to a secure, productive environment.
