Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a chronological record of drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. Samples taken near the scalp can display a detection range of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs alike. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
An optimal sample consists of a 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hairs (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair suitable for evaluation and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, it is advised to obtain 150mg of hair. We suggest measuring the hair on a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. By 'head hair', we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug testing outcome entails four critical phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially logged into a lab's system. This step entails verifying that the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and adding any extra data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody process.
The Screening phase includes a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs. While it’s a cost-efficient procedure to exclude drug consumption in most samples, a positive result requires validation to be accepted in legal proceedings. Any samples that preliminarily test positive during Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is flagged as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In Extraction, substances are isolated from hair in much smaller concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug analysis more complex.
For verifying positive screening findings, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are used. Every presumptive positive sample is washed before confirmation if necessary. The whole laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and is certified to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the examination actually scrutinizes the hair strand rather than the follicle within the scalp.
In Mars Hill, ME, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing in several key areas. One major benefit is its superior detection accuracy, making it a more reliable choice for employers and other institutions.
Hair testing presents advantages over urine tests, especially in terms of detection capabilities. With longer detection windows and less risk of tampering, hair tests are preferred for ensuring effective substance analysis in Mars Hill, ME.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing offers a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history. In Mars Hill, ME, this method provides insights into drug use up to 90 days, serving as a crucial tool for an accurate assessment.
Employers in Mars Hill, ME, benefit from hair follicle tests for their ability to track substance use over prolonged periods, capturing a clearer picture of an employee or applicant's behavior.
Hair follicle testing reduces the chances of sample adulteration significantly. In Mars Hill, ME, this method ensures that results are reliable and beyond question, offering a trustworthy alternative to other forms of drug testing.
In Mars Hill, ME, the integrity of hair testing is upheld by its tamper-resistant nature. This testing method prevents manipulation, guaranteeing unquestionable and valid results.
Our nationwide network of testing centers guarantees convenient access for individuals in Mars Hill, ME, and beyond. This accessibility makes the testing process straightforward and hassle-free.
With local and nationwide locations, our hair follicle testing services are easily accessible in Mars Hill, ME, offering convenience and ease for all testing needs.
The process of hair follicle testing in Mars Hill, ME, is simple and confidential. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results is seamless, maintaining privacy and ease for all involved.
In Mars Hill, ME, we ensure a straightforward and private testing process, addressing concerns about confidentiality while promoting user-friendly procedures.
In Mars Hill, ME, our hair follicle testing services are competitively priced, offering quick turnaround times and providing excellent value for companies of all sizes.
Our cost-effective pricing and fast processing times in Mars Hill, ME, ensure that our hair testing services deliver both value and prompt results, catering to a diverse range of businesses.
The hair follicle drug test offers unmatched precision and speed, particularly in Mars Hill, ME. Its high accuracy in identifying various substances ensures dependable results quickly. This method stands out due to its efficiency and reliable detection probabilities.
In Mars Hill, ME, relying on hair testing means fast, accurate, and trustworthy outcomes. The speed and precision of hair analysis provide advantages over other testing types, ensuring reliable substance detection.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Mars Hill, ME, supports employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies. Such compliance reduces legal risks and fosters a safer work environment for all.
For Mars Hill, ME businesses, implementing hair testing protocols not only ensures compliance but also provides peace of mind, mitigating risks associated with substance use while enhancing safety.
