Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests are increasingly recognized as a crucial method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains an extended record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug usage within a window of up to roughly three months. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively tough to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches containing around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. “Head hair†refers exclusively to scalp hair. “Body hair†includes all other hair kinds (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The four crucial steps in laboratory processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample is processed into a laboratory’s system, ensuring the sample is correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any needed additional data input that isn’t provided electronically.
Screening consists of an initial quick drug abuse check. While cost-effective for ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive screening result must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Presumptive positive samples from Screening necessitate further confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positivity in Screening, extra hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirming a positive screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that are presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the lab process is scrutinized 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 performed on the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Moose River, ME, sees notable distinction in hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests. Hair tests shine in their advanced detection capabilities, identifying drugs for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests' shorter detection period. Their reliability makes them the optimal choice, reducing the likelihood of errors or false negatives that can often occur with urine analysis.
Providing an extended detection window, hair follicle testing in Moose River, ME, offers employers a thorough view of an individual’s substance use history. Unlike urine testing, which captures a brief window of drug use, hair follicle testing can reveal patterns of substance use over a period of up to 90 days, giving an in-depth look into potential drug habits.
The robustness of hair follicle testing in Moose River, ME, minimizes the potential for tampering, making it an ideal choice for accurate, reliable results. With hair samples collected through a straightforward process, this method reduces the chance of any adulteration, offering peace of mind with its unwavering accuracy and integrity in results.
Enjoying seamless access to drug testing services is straightforward with our widespread centers, including Moose River, ME. Accredited Drug Testing has established a vast network of testing locations nationwide, enabling easy and quick access to services without the hassle, wherever you or your employees may be located.
The hair follicle testing process in Moose River, ME, ensures ease and confidentiality at every step. From test ordering to result delivery, every action is executed with the utmost discretion and simplicity. Trust in our commitment to maintaining privacy and streamlining processes to provide a hassle-free experience every time.
Affordability and rapid turnaround distinguish our service offerings in Moose River, ME. We take pride in competitive pricing models and efficient service delivery, ensuring organizations can dependably manage their health and safety protocols. Access quality testing without breaking the bank and benefit from the rapid processing of results.
In the picturesque setting of Moose River, ME, hair follicle testing stands out for its unmatched accuracy and speed. These tests are designed to pinpoint substance use with precision, offering swift results that clients can rely on for making informed decisions. As a superior testing method, it ensures that any signs of drug use are detected and reported in a timely and accurate manner.
Employers in Moose River, ME, gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing, a method synonymous with workplace safety and legal adherence. Utilizing these tests can help avoid legal implications and cultivate a drug-free work environment, reinforcing employer responsibilities and safeguarding organizational welfare.
