Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug usage by trapping markers within the fiber of the growing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can provide approximately up to a 3-month detection time frame for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, less prone to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp can provide 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, collecting 150mg is advised. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a proportional amount of body hair may be taken. Head hair refers to scalp hair alone. Body hair encompasses other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key four steps in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the first processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This consists of ensuring that the sample was securely sealed and shipped, providing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any further data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid evaluation for drug use. While Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result from screening needs verification to be valid in a legal setting. Any samples that are initially positive during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive outcome, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are removed from hair at a lower concentration than in other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples initially positive are cleansed before confirmation if required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is verified under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers numerous advantages over traditional urine testing in Lowell, ME. One key benefit is its superior detection accuracy, capturing substance use over a broader timeframe, while urine tests usually indicate only recent use.
The reliability of hair testing makes it a preferred choice for detecting ongoing drug use, reducing the possibility of false negatives often associated with more conventional testing methods such as urine tests.
With the ability to detect substance use for up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Lowell, ME offers employers a long-term view into an individual's drug history. This extensive detection window allows for a more comprehensive understanding of an applicant or employee’s substance habits.
Employers benefit from the prolonged detection period, ensuring adherence to company policies and making informed hiring or retention decisions based on thorough evaluations of drug use history.
In Lowell, ME, hair follicle testing provides a significant advantage by minimizing the risk of tampering, guaranteeing the integrity of the sample. This makes it a reliable option for detecting substance use accurately.
The high resistance to adulteration ensures that results are trustworthy, leaving little room for manipulation or deceit compared to conventional testing methods which can be more easily compromised.
The availability of nationwide testing centers, including those in Lowell, ME, makes drug testing quick and convenient. Easy access to services ensures that individuals can complete testing processes without stress.
Our strategically located facilities accommodate various needs, making the experience hassle-free. Clients benefit from straightforward access to advanced testing technology across individual and corporate levels.
In Lowell, ME, the process of ordering, taking, and receiving results for hair follicle tests is designed to be simple and confidential, ensuring user ease and privacy. These streamlined procedures cater to those who prioritize secure handling of personal information.
Clear instructions and a straightforward approach make navigating the testing process less daunting for users, addressing privacy concerns and providing confidence in the confidentiality of their results.
Accredited Drug Testing in Lowell, ME offers competitive pricing structures alongside fast turnaround times, delivering excellent value for businesses. The affordability aspect makes hair testing accessible without compromising quality.
Rapid results combined with cost-effective solutions enhance the testing experience, appealing to companies looking for efficient and effective ways to manage substance testing requirements smoothly.
In Lowell, ME, the speed and precision of hair follicle drug tests ensure fast, reliable results. Their high level of accuracy provides confidence in determining substance use, making them an excellent choice for those needing timely and trustworthy testing outcomes.
The capability of hair tests to precisely identify drug use patterns contributes significantly to their effectiveness. This accuracy allows individuals and organizations to make informed decisions based on conclusive evidence.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Lowell, ME ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, offering peace of mind to employers over legal concerns and emphasizing workplace safety. Through rigorous testing methods, companies can rely on precise outcomes to maintain a drug-free environment.
This compliance reduces potential liabilities and supports a safer, healthier work environment, fostering confidence in both management and employees alike.
