Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by encapsulating biomarkers in the fibers of the developing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection span of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be obtained. When mentioning head hair, we are referring only to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other forms of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial intake of a sample into a laboratory's system. This involves confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial quick assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be admissible in court. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening need further confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptive positive are washed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When considering hair follicle vs. urine testing in Lisbon, ME, hair testing undeniably provides better detection for drug use.
It offers superior accuracy and assurance compared to traditional urine tests.
Encompassing a wider time frame, hair testing unveils a more complete history of substance intake, making it a reliable choice for consistent monitoring.
Extended Detection Window in Lisbon, ME, allows hair follicle tests to screen for drug use over an expansive period, reaching up to 90 days.
This extensive detection capability offers employers a thorough view of a subject's substance history, providing a comprehensive understanding of their lifestyle and habits, which is crucial for informed decision-making regarding employment or other assessments.
With Tamper-Resistant Testing in Lisbon, ME, hair follicle tests significantly decrease the risk of sample tampering.
The procedure provides credible results that remain unquestioned due to the stringent methods involved, minimizing adulteration and assurance to stakeholders seeking dependability in their testing results, thus safeguarding the integrity of the collected samples.
Offering Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations, including local centers in Lisbon, ME,
ensures our testing services are easily accessible. With locations spread across the country, these centers provide a hassle-free way to undergo screening, ensuring an efficient and streamlined process for everyone without compromising on quality or accessibility.
Experience a Simple, Confidential Process for securing hair follicle testing in Lisbon, ME.
Our streamlined procedures promise privacy and ease for ordering, performing, and receiving test outcomes, addressing privacy concerns, and guaranteeing a smooth, stress-free experience that respects clients' confidentiality at all stages of the process.
We offer Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround for tests in Lisbon, ME.
Our competitive pricing structures, alongside rapid results, promise remarkable value for companies, regardless of size. This approach ensures you receive efficient testing services without premium pricing, combining cost-effectiveness with dependability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lisbon, ME, are offered through our drug testing services.
Hair follicle drug tests ensure precise and efficient detection of drug use, making them superior in accuracy compared to other methods.
With top-tier results, these tests provide clarity and speed, yielding high precision in identifying substance usage patterns across all demographics.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lisbon, ME, is ensured through our hair follicle testing services.
The use of such tests helps in aligning with workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal liabilities, and enhancing workplace safety, fostering a secure environment for all employees and stakeholders involved in your business.