Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as an extended record for detecting substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair's fibers as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair can present up to a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A collection of 1.5 inches from about 200 strands of hair (the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal sample size for evaluation and verification. For EtG assessments, add-ons, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be obtained. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of introducing a sample into a lab’s system. It involves ensuring the sample was securely sealed and transported, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any requisite data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial swift evaluation for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to negate drug consumption in many samples, a positive outcome requires Confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Presumptive positive Screening results mandate a follow-up Confirmation.
If Screening results are presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drug extraction occurs at a lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening procedures.
Any positive Screening outcomes undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to Confirmation as necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Little Falls, ME, significantly surpasses traditional urine tests in terms of detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests can detect drugs long after ingestion, a feature not offered by urine tests.
The extended detection period of hair tests allows for a more comprehensive view, making them the superior choice for employers opting for rigor and thoroughness.
One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing in Little Falls, ME, is its substantially extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior.
Employers benefit from this extensive look-back period, ensuring they receive a complete and accurate account of an individual’s substance use history, aiding in informed hiring decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Little Falls, ME, offer a tamper-resistant method that considerably reduces the risk of sample adulteration, thereby ensuring the integrity of results.
The collection process is designed to virtually eliminate opportunities for cheating, providing employers with confident and unquestionable test outcomes.
With convenient nationwide testing centers, including those in Little Falls, ME, we guarantee quick and hassle-free access to our services.
The widespread availability of our testing locations means that scheduling and accessing tests is straightforward, saving time and effort for individuals and employers alike.
The process of ordering and undergoing a hair follicle test in Little Falls, ME, is designed for simplicity and confidentiality, safeguarding privacy during every step.
From the initial request to receiving results, the experience is seamless and respectful of individual privacy concerns, making it accessible and stress-free.
Our competitive pricing structures in Little Falls, ME, coupled with rapid turnaround times, provide excellent value for companies small and large.
Our affordable rates and swift result delivery underscore our commitment to making comprehensive drug testing accessible and beneficial for all employers.
In Little Falls, ME, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed, ensuring fast, accurate, and reliable results. The efficiency of these tests is unparalleled, making them an optimal choice for detecting substance use with high accuracy.
Unlike other methods, hair follicle testing provides comprehensive data, offering a precise measure of drug history.
For employers in Little Falls, ME, deploying hair follicle testing fosters compliance with drug-free workplace policies, offering peace of mind and reducing legal risks.
This method reinforces a safe work environment as it is exceptionally reliable, enhancing overall workplace safety.
