Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Old Orchard Beach, ME

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as a potent means to identify drug and alcohol consumption. Hair traps biomarkers within its strands, offering an extended history of alcohol and drug use. Collected from near the scalp, hair can present a detection range of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (akin to the size of a #2 pencil) taken from the scalp yields 100mg, the preferred amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The key steps in laboratory drug test processing are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the sample's preliminary processing into a lab's system, ensuring it was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing extra data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary scan for drug abuse. Though cost-effective for ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive result needs confirmation for court admissibility. Presumptive positive samples from Screening need secondary confirmation.

If a sample appears positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is taken for Extraction. This phase extracts drugs from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology.

Positive screenings are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives are washed before confirmation. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed per CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection range: Hair drug tests can trace drug use for up to 90 days, unlike the shorter range of urine tests.
• Cheat-proof: Hair drug tests are difficult to circumvent, ensuring more precise results.
• Historical insight: They offer a drug use pattern over time, not limited to recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs take around 5-7 days to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests usually cost more than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Hair color and growth variations can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand rather than the scalp hair follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Old Orchard Beach, ME

• Hair testing offers superior accuracy and reliability over traditional urine tests.
• It provides a longer detection window, capturing more comprehensive drug use data.
• The chances of evading detection in hair testing are significantly lower.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Old Orchard Beach, ME

• Hair follicle tests can detect substance use up to 90 days back, offering a detailed history.
• This extended window gives employers a comprehensive view of an applicant's drug use habits.
• Such detailed insight aids in making more informed employment decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Old Orchard Beach, ME

• The methodology behind hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration.
• This approach provides trustworthy and undeniable results for all stakeholders.
• The integrity of the results upholds the credibility of the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Old Orchard Beach, ME

• Our testing centers are spread across the nation, ensuring accessibility.
• The availability of local locations simplifies and expedites the testing process.
• Clients experience hassle-free and prompt services, regardless of their location.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Old Orchard Beach, ME

• The testing process is straightforward, maintaining confidentiality throughout.
• Privacy concerns are addressed with discreet service handling, from ordering to results reception.
• Ease of use is a priority, ensuring a stress-free experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Old Orchard Beach, ME

• Competitive pricing makes our services accessible to companies of all sizes.
• Fast turnaround times ensure quick access to test results, providing excellent value.
• Our pricing structure offers genuine peace of mind for organizational budgeting.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Old Orchard Beach, ME

• Hair follicle tests offer swift and precise results, making them an ideal choice for detecting substance use.
• The high level of accuracy provided by these tests ensures confidence in results.
• Quick turnaround times help employers and individuals make informed decisions promptly.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Old Orchard Beach, ME

• Hair follicle testing aids in safeguarding workplace drug-free policies.
• Employers enjoy reduced legal risks and improved workplace safety.
• This method ensures adherence to compliance standards with ease.

Drug Testing Near Old Orchard Beach, ME

Westbrook, ME

Kennebunkport, ME

Buxton, ME

Bar Mills, ME

Cape Elizabeth, ME

Arundel, ME

Dayton, ME

Scarborough, ME

Biddeford, ME

Saco, ME