Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance use by capturing biomarkers in its fibers as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 90-day detection window for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample length of 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's thickness) from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, ideal for testing. For EtG, additional tests, or those over 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. We advise weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair can be used. Our reference to head hair pertains only to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types (like facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The four main stages in laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the sample's initial processing into a lab system. This entails checking that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and adding any extra data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary and rapid check for substance abuse. Although a cost-friendly way to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court validity. Any samples presumed positive in Screening need additional confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial collection for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is overseen under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in Monticello, ME, by offering superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which detect recent drug use, hair analysis provides a comprehensive overview. This method ensures that employers gain a complete understanding of an individual's long-term substance use patterns.
Comparison Benefits:
In Monticello, ME, one of the biggest advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. It can trace substance use back up to 90 days, offering a well-rounded picture of someone’s drug history. This lengthy detection period is valuable for employers seeking to understand an employee's ongoing habits rather than only recent use.
Extended Window Benefits:
Hair follicle testing in Monticello, ME, provides a highly tamper-resistant option for drug screening. The method's inherent design makes it nearly impossible to alter the sample—ensuring that results remain trustworthy and accurate
Reliability Factors:
With testing centers accessible nationwide, including in Monticello, ME, obtaining a hair follicle test is convenient. Our widespread locations ensure that you can quickly and easily access our services without hassle. All centers provide the same high standards and efficiency.
Convenience Highlights:
The hair follicle testing process in Monticello, ME, is straightforward and discreet. Ordering, collecting samples, and receiving results are handled with strict privacy considerations, safeguarding user information and making the experience stress-free.
Process Overview:
In Monticello, ME, hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses of all sizes. Our efficient services help you make informed decisions swiftly without breaking the bank.
Value Proposition:
In Monticello, ME, hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its speed and precision. It is a reliable way to uncover substance use, delivering quick results with high accuracy. Individuals and employers alike trust this method to provide clear, unambiguous insights into drug use history.
Precision:
For employers in Monticello, ME, hair follicle testing assures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It minimizes legal risks, supports a safer work environment, and instills greater organizational peace of mind. Hair tests are a proactive measure companies can implement to uphold a drug-free reputation.
Employer Advantages:
