Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly seen as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strands. When taken from near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively tough to tamper with, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch sample, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil), taken nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the perfect sample size for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair can't be obtained, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we only mean scalp hair. Body hair refers to all non-scalp hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary procedures in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the opening processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This involves ensuring the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning it a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finishing any supplementary data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening encompasses an initial brief test for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is economical for dismissing drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be legal in court. Any samples showing presumptive positive results during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a specimen shows presumptive positive results in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are removed from hair at a much finer concentration than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation when necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", it is the hair strand itself that is analyzed, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
For those in Merrill, ME considering drug screening options, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over urine tests. The superior accuracy and reliability of hair testing make it an ideal choice. Unlike urine tests, hair samples provide a longer detection period for substances, ensuring that recent and past drug usage is accurately captured.
Hair follicle tests are less prone to tampering and offer an objective measure of an individual’s drug use. This reliable method is essential for employers enforcing strict drug-free policies. Hair tests grant assurance and a detailed view, going beyond the capabilities of urine testing.
In Merrill, ME, hair follicle testing is valued for its extended detection window, which can identify drug use up to 90 days after consumption. This extensive timeframe provides employers with a detailed perspective on an individual's substance habits, making it a powerful tool in the hiring process.
Employers benefit from this broad detection period, gaining insight into long-term drug use patterns that urine tests can't offer. This approach not only enhances decision-making but also supports a drug-free workplace environment through comprehensive assessment techniques.
The hair follicle testing method in Merrill, ME significantly mitigates the risk of sample adulteration. This built-in resistance to tampering ensures that results remain credible and beyond dispute. With the integrity of the testing process intact, employers can trust the conclusions drawn from these assessments.
By reducing opportunities for manipulation, hair tests safeguard the reliability that employers need. It reinforces workplace safety by guaranteeing that tests accurately reflect an individual's substance use, free from the possibility of deceptive practices that more vulnerable tests might suffer.
Merrill, ME residents benefit from our extensive network of testing locations. With centers nationwide, accessing hair follicle testing services is simple and uncomplicated. These convenient sites ensure that testing is prompt and easily obtainable, reducing inconvenience for those seeking services.
Our numerous testing facilities reflect a commitment to accessibility and convenience. Clients enjoy hassle-free access to testing solutions, supporting a smooth experience from start to finish, whether they're local or traveling across the country.
In Merrill, ME, conducting a hair follicle test is a straightforward and confidential process. Ordering the test, providing a sample, and receiving results are designed to be user-friendly, respecting privacy at each stage.
Clarity and confidentiality are key aspects of our times, ensuring that individuals can trust in the discretion and simplicity of the process. The efficiency with which results are managed means that those involved in testing can proceed with assurance and without unnecessary complexity.
Hair follicle testing in Merrill, ME offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, delivering excellent value for businesses. This affordable approach ensures that companies of all sizes can benefit from reliable testing without breaking the budget.
With swift result delivery, companies quickly receive the data needed for decision-making. The balance of cost-efficiency and thoroughness in testing reinforces both peace of mind and financial prudence in maintaining workplace safety.
In Merrill, ME, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests stand out. These tests provide rapid and highly accurate results in detecting substance use. The advanced methodology ensures that substances are detected promptly, giving peace of mind to employers looking to maintain a safe workplace.
Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, hair follicle tests deliver reliable results quickly, ensuring no time is wasted in understanding an individual's drug usage. This swift process is crucial for employers needing a comprehensive view into potential or existing employee habits.
Employers in Merrill, ME find assurance in the compliance that hair follicle testing provides. Adopting this method helps align with workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal concerns and promoting a safe and productive environment.
Adhering to strict testing requirements, hair follicle tests bolster confidence in maintaining rigorous safety protocols. This not only supports regulatory compliance but also enhances company reputations, underscoring a commitment to a drug-free workplace standard.
