Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol use over a span of up to about three months. The collection process is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for initial screening and definitive confirmation. For assessments such as EtG, supplementary add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. If hair on the scalp is inaccessible, an equivalent volume of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair strictly pertain to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all non-scalp hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result is comprised of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the sample's initial integration into the laboratory’s system. This step includes confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-effective method for eliminating drug use in most samples, positive screenings require confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Presumptively positive samples in Screening undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is drawn from the original sample for Extraction preparation. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Passadumkeag, ME
When comparing testing methods, hair follicle tests offer significant advantages over traditional urine tests. Not only do they ensure superior accuracy, but they also mitigate the risk of tampering. Their reliability in detecting various substances enhances workplace policy enforcement and provides peace of mind for employers.
Extended Detection Window in Passadumkeag, ME
Hair follicle testing stands out for its capacity to detect drug usage up to 90 days prior. This expansive detection window offers employers a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's substance history, facilitating informed decision-making in hiring and employment matters.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Passadumkeag, ME
The hair follicle testing method greatly minimizes the potential for sample adulteration, ensuring unquestionable and reliable results. By adopting this method, employers can trust the integrity of the testing process, knowing that the likelihood of cheating is almost eliminated.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Passadumkeag, ME
With testing facilities available nationwide, including locally in Passadumkeag, the process is accessible and hassle-free. Individuals have the convenience of scheduling tests nearby, ensuring minimal disruption to their routine and prompt service delivery.
Simple, Confidential Process in Passadumkeag, ME
The hair follicle testing procedure is straightforward and maintains confidentiality at all stages. From ordering to test administration and result collection, the process respects privacy concerns, ensuring participants feel secure and the experience remains user-friendly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Passadumkeag, ME
Our competitive pricing structures, paired with rapid turnaround times, offer excellent value for businesses of any size. Employers gain peace of mind knowing that they can implement effective drug testing without incurring prohibitive costs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Passadumkeag, ME
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering swift and precise outcomes. Their ability to accurately detect substance consumption is unparalleled in efficiency, providing results that employers can depend on. With hair testing, quick turnaround times allow for immediate assessments, aiding businesses in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Passadumkeag, ME
Utilizing hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, effectively reducing legal risks and enhancing safety. This method provides a critical layer of compliance, ensuring that organizations maintain high standards of employee conduct and well-being.
