Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as a robust means for identifying drug and alcohol usage, hair testing captures a historical record of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers up to a 90-day detection period for alcohol and other substances. The collection process is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and shipping is uncomplicated.
A 1.5-inch sample containing roughly 200 hair strands, comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness and nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both preliminary and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is beneficial to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, collecting the same quantity of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" covers all other types, like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
Lab processing for drug testing encompasses four main phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes preliminary processing within the lab's system. This phase ensures the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputs any additional details not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as a preliminary drug check. Though cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any Screening-positively identified samples necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample be positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the initial sample for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods confirm any positive Screening findings. Presumptively positive samples undergo a prior wash as required. The lab's entire sequence, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is evaluated under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to colloquially as "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Palmyra, ME
When comparing hair follicle tests against traditional urine screenings, the benefits of the former become clear. Hair tests offer a more extensive detection period and are far less susceptible to manipulation, ensuring genuine and dependable results.
In contrast to urine tests, which have a shorter detection window, hair testing provides a complete picture of substance use history, which is invaluable for many organizations in Palmyra, ME.
Extended Detection Window in Palmyra, ME
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This long-term examination gives employers a thorough understanding of an individual’s drug use history, proving beneficial during hiring processes.
Employers in Palmyra gain peace of mind knowing they have access to a detailed account of an applicant's or employee's substance history, making informed decisions easier.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Palmyra, ME
Hair follicle drug tests significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering, offering reliable results. They ensure a process that is nearly impossible to cheat, rendering the outcomes undisputable.
This resistance to adulteration enhances the credibility of the testing method, providing organizations in Palmyra, ME, with unwavering confidence in their drug testing programs.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Palmyra, ME
The extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including in Palmyra, ME, ensures convenient access. This makes the drug testing process streamlined and accessible without hassles.
Local availability means quick and effortless testing access, enhancing convenience for those requiring drug testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Palmyra, ME
The procedure for ordering, undergoing, and receiving hair follicle test results is simple and discrete, protecting individual privacy throughout the process. Concerns about confidentiality are thoroughly addressed.
This straightforward process allows individuals and organizations in Palmyra to prioritize efficiency and privacy when conducting necessary drug screenings.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Palmyra, ME
Our competitive pricing models coupled with quick turnaround times make hair follicle testing an economical choice for businesses of all sizes. The balance of cost-effectiveness and efficiency is an attractive advantage.
Organizations in Palmyra benefit from excellent value, ensuring high-quality results without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Palmyra, ME
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and rapid processing times, delivering dependable results. They excel at detecting drug use efficiently, offering definitive insights into an individual’s substance intake.
These tests ensure reliable data thanks to advanced testing technologies that minimize error and enhance credibility. The focus on timeliness and accuracy makes hair testing a preferred choice in Palmyra, ME.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Palmyra, ME
Adopting hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, crucial in navigating legal landscapes. This method serves as a robust deterrent to substance use among employees.
In Palmyra, companies rely on this testing to minimize legal risks and improve workplace safety, ensuring peace of mind and a secure environment for all.
