Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Patten, ME

What it is, How it works

The utilization of hair testing has become recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands’ fibers as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair can present up to around a 3-month detection time frame for alcohol and drug presence. Hair sampling is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of about 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) cut nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or when exceeding 10-panel tests, it's recommended to gather 150mg of the sample. We recommend measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be utilized. Reference to head hair implies scalp hair only. Body hair indicates all other forms (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This includes validating the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. While offering a cost-effective approach to eliminate drug presence in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples indicative of potential drug use in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

In instances where Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this step, drug substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), illustrating why hair drug testing is a more challenging procedure to conduct.

Confirmation of any screening-predicted positive outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples suggested as positive are cleansed prior to confirmation as required. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests identify drug use up to 90 days, offering a longer detection period compared to urine tests.
• Hard to manipulate: The hair drug test's resistance to tampering ensures higher result accuracy.
• Tracks historical usage: It outlines a pattern of drug consumption over time, not merely recent use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: Detection of drugs in hair requires about 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests are pricier than alternative drug testing methods.
• Variability in outcomes: Variables such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When it comes to drug testing in Patten, ME, hair follicle testing stands out for its superior detection capabilities. Compared to traditional urine tests, hair analysis can reveal a broader picture of substance use. This method not only ensures greater accuracy but also provides a reliable assessment of long-term drug use patterns, which can be crucial for employers and legal entities alike.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Patten, ME, offers an extended detection window, tracing drug use for up to 90 days. This comprehensive analysis helps employers in understanding an employee's past behavior, offering insights that are not typically available with conventional testing methods. This longer detection period provides a clearer view of an individual's substance history.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests conducted in Patten, ME, are renowned for their tamper-resistant characteristics. By significantly reducing the possibility of sample adulteration, these tests offer results that are trustworthy and hard to manipulate, thus assuring stakeholders of their accuracy and truthfulness.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Patten, ME, Accredited Drug Testing provides the convenience of numerous nationwide testing locations. This accessibility ensures that individuals can quickly and effortlessly access the testing services they need without unnecessary delays, making the testing process both efficient and stress-free.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process in Patten, ME, for hair follicle drug tests is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to testing and receiving results, the system is designed to protect privacy while being easy to navigate. This approach addresses common concerns about privacy and streamlines the entire procedure for both employers and employees.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times in Patten, ME, our services provide great value for companies of any size. With competitive pricing structures, we ensure that businesses get excellent service without breaking the bank, maintaining an effective balance between cost-efficiency and quality.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Patten, ME, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched speed and accuracy. They provide precise readings with minimal waiting time, making them a preferred choice for employers eager to gain insights into substance use.
These tests reveal substance use with a high degree of accuracy, ensuring that the results you receive truly reflect an individual's history, which is vital for maintaining a drug-free workplace.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Patten, ME, adopting hair follicle testing means compliance and peace of mind. With these tests, they can maintain adherence to drug-free workplace policies, thereby minimizing legal liabilities and ensuring a safer, more productive working environment. These evaluations offer a proactive approach to workplace safety.

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