Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Acknowledged as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug use, hair testing offers an extended timeline by embedding biomarkers into the fibers of developing hair strands. When obtained near the scalp, hair delivers about a 90-day detection period for substances like alcohol and drugs. The process of hair collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient for mailing.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for initial testing and further confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or tests surpassing 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to measure the specimen's weight using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be gathered. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other varieties such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for analyzing a drug test outcome involves four essential phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the phase where a sample is initially entered into the laboratory's system. During this stage, it’s confirmed that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any additional data that is not available from an electronic chain of custody system is completed.
Screening performs a preliminary rapid assessment for substance use. Although screening offers a cost-effective approach to exclude drug use for most samples, any positive screening results need to be verified for legal acceptability. Samples showing presumptive positives in screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample suggest positivity during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. In this step, substances are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations than through alternative techniques (such as urine or oral fluids), highlighting the complexity of hair drug evaluation.
Confirmation of a positive screening result occurs through methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, if necessary. The full laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not on the scalp-embedded follicles.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Milo, ME
Hair testing surpasses urine analysis through its exceptional detection accuracy. Offering a longer detection window, hair tests provide a dependable view into an individual's substance use history over a considerable period. This method reduces the chances of test manipulation, offering more credible results than traditional urine testing.
Extended Detection Window in Milo, ME
The hair follicle approach offers a significant advantage by detecting drug use over an extended timeframe, up to 90 days. This wide detection period allows employers to gain detailed insight into an applicant or employee's long-term substance habits, leading to well-informed hiring or monitoring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Milo, ME
Adopting a hair follicle drug test greatly lowers the potential for sample interference. This approach ensures that the results are trustworthy and resistant to deceit, consequently providing employers and legal institutions with confidence in the integrity of the insights gained from the test.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Milo, ME
Our extensive network of testing facilities across the nation ensures convenient and straightforward access to drug testing services. This ease of availability means Milo residents can efficiently utilize our services without hassle, benefiting from comprehensive drug testing whenever needed.
Simple, Confidential Process in Milo, ME
Ordering and executing a hair follicle drug test is straightforward and discreet. From scheduling the test to receiving the results, privacy is strictly observed, ensuring that individuals feel secure throughout the process. The ease with which these steps can be completed enhances overall user experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Milo, ME
Our cost-effective pricing models coupled with swift result delivery provide exceptional value to organizations of all sizes. Alongside our competitive rates, companies benefit from the prompt processing of results, offering peace of mind and facilitating timely decision-making processes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Milo, ME
Hair follicle drug tests provide rapid and highly dependable outcomes. Their precision in picking up substance use is unmatched, ensuring employers receive fast and accurate insights into an individual's drug history. With such reliability, companies can confidently make informed decisions based on the results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Milo, ME
Hair follicle drug tests are vital for maintaining adherence to workplace drug-free standards. Employers benefit from these tests by minimizing legal risks and enhancing the overall safety of the workplace environment. This not only assures compliance but also offers a peaceful and trusting work atmosphere.
