Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair fiber. When cut near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests with more than 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is missing, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair. "Body hair" pertains to all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
Four primary steps characterize the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s system. This step confirms the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial quick assessment for substances of abuse. Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage on most samples, but a positive result requires confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples showing a presumptive positive during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which positions hair drug screening as the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While these are often called "hair follicle tests," the test actually assesses the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Comparing hair and urine tests in Pittsfield, ME, the extended detection period of hair testing stands superior. With hair tests, substance use can be identified for up to 90 days.
This method far surpasses traditional urine testing when considering detection accuracy.
In Pittsfield, ME, hair follicle testing grants a prolonged window for detecting drug use, spanning up to 90 days.
Employers gain a broader understanding of employee conduct, aiding in safer workplace decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Pittsfield, ME, offer a security advantage by minimizing the risk of sample tampering.
The certainty these tests provide enhances the credibility of the results obtained.
Accessible and nationwide, our testing centers offer convenience to Pittsfield, ME residents.
This accessibility streamlines the testing process for employers and individuals alike.
Our drug testing process in Pittsfield, ME, is designed to be simple and confidential, ensuring privacy.
The straightforward system reassures all involved parties of efficiency and security.
In Pittsfield, ME, our services are competitively priced with prompt turnaround times.
This ensures peace of mind with secure, reliable results delivered promptly.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Pittsfield, ME, are unmatched. Offering rapid results, these tests are incredibly accurate in identifying substance use.
Employers and individuals trust these methods for their diagnostic needs, providing assurance and clarity in drug testing protocols.
Employers in Pittsfield, ME, benefit from compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing.
Adhering to these protocols ensures a drug-free environment that supports productivity and security.
