Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recently, hair analysis has emerged as an effective mechanism for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. This method offers an extended overview of substance intake by capturing markers within the strands of growing hair. When collected just near the scalp, it grants almost a three-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. It is straightforward to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp should yield 100mg of hair, deemed the optimal sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or screenings exceeding 10 panels, a specimen amounting to 150mg is advisable. Utilization of a jeweler’s scale is recommended to weigh the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used instead. When mentioning head hair, it specifically points to scalp hair alone, while body hair signifies any other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core steps in the laboratory handling of a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the primary handling of a sample within a laboratory's framework. The process ensures that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any supplemental data entry, not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system, is completed.
Screening entails an initial cursory inspection for substances of abuse. This stage is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug consumption in most samples; however, a positive result at this level requires confirmation to be considered valid in courtroom settings. Any samples registering as presumptively positive during Screening need secondary validation.
Should a sample be preliminarily positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, substances are extracted from the hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), reason why hair drug testing is considered the most complex technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Each presumptive positive sample is washed as necessary before confirmation. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under the guidelines of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently referred to as "hair follicle tests", the assessment actually evaluates the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lincoln, ME
Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. The longer detection period and lower risk of tampering make hair tests a preferred option for many organizations seeking comprehensive drug screening solutions.
Extended Detection Window in Lincoln, ME
Hair follicle testing provides insight into drug use over a substantial span, up to 90 days. This extended window allows employers a thorough view of an individual’s substance use history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lincoln, ME
Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering. This security leads to trustworthy and indisputable outcomes, ensuring the integrity of the drug testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lincoln, ME
Our widespread testing facilities offer quick and convenient access to testing services, providing ease and efficiency for individuals and businesses anywhere in the country.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lincoln, ME
Ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential, ensuring privacy and simplicity for users concerned about their discretion being maintained.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lincoln, ME
We deliver excellent value with our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, ensuring peace of mind for businesses of all sizes seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lincoln, ME
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests make them an optimal choice for detecting substance use. Their enhanced accuracy ensures a high level of confidence in the results, providing vital information efficiently and accurately.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lincoln, ME
Employing hair follicle testing helps maintain compliance with drug-free policies in the workplace, reducing legal liabilities and enhancing the safety and well-being of all employees.
