Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an impactful method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer an estimated 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's size) next to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an optimal amount for assessment and verification. For EtG, additional panels, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's advised to collect 150mg of the specimen. It's suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent portion of body hair is a viable alternative. When mentioning head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair includes other hair forms (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the preliminary processing of a specimen into the lab’s framework. This step verifies that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional information not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, swift assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be valid in legal settings. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
Should a sample be tentatively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is among the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated in line with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Plymouth, ME
Hair follicle testing presents several advantages over traditional urine testing. It offers superior detection accuracy, ultimately showcasing greater reliability. In Plymouth, ME, hair tests identify a wider range of substances across a longer timeframe, presenting employers with more comprehensive insights into individuals' drug use patterns.
Extended Detection Window in Plymouth, ME
The remarkable benefit of hair follicle testing is its capacity to reveal drug use over an extended period—up to 90 days. This longer window provides employers with a complete view of an individual's substance use history. Businesses in Plymouth, ME, can utilize this method to ensure informed decision-making regarding potential employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Plymouth, ME
In Plymouth, ME, hair follicle tests are recognized for their tamper-resistant nature, significantly minimizing the risk of adulteration. This testing method provides results that are both trustworthy and unquestionable, securing the testing process against manipulation or deception effectively.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Plymouth, ME
Accredited Drug Testing centers, spread nationwide, offer unparalleled convenience. Our locations in Plymouth, ME, guarantee quick and hassle-free access to testing services, ensuring ease of use for anyone requiring a drug test. The wide availability of centers makes comforting accessibility a priority for our clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Plymouth, ME
The process of ordering and undergoing a hair follicle test in Plymouth, ME, is both simple and confidential. Our streamlined approach ensures privacy while addressing the needs of our clients. Results are delivered with ease, making it a straightforward experience from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Plymouth, ME
Offering competitive pricing, hair follicle testing in Plymouth, ME, delivers excellent value for companies of all sizes. With a fast turnaround, our services ensure quick results without compromising on quality, providing reassurance and peace of mind at an affordable rate.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Plymouth, ME
Emphasizing both precision and speed, hair follicle drug testing ensures exceptionally accurate detection of substance use. In Plymouth, ME, individuals benefit from tests that quickly reveal reliable outcomes, ensuring trustworthy results every time the test is conducted. Hair testing stands out in its ability to provide timely and dependable information.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Plymouth, ME
Employers in Plymouth, ME, benefit from hair follicle testing as it ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances overall workplace safety. Utilizing hair tests provides companies with reassurance and the peace of mind necessary for maintaining a secure environment.
