Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the expanding hair strand. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to approximately 90 days for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional add-ons, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair cannot be retrieved, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. Head hair strictly refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Procedure Overview
The four essential stages involved in the laboratory handling of a drug test are Identification, Checking, Separation, and Verification.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample within the lab system. This involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug consumption in the majority of samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, extra hair is drawn from the original sample for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are derived from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is the most challenging technique to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Pownal, ME, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests, offering superior detection accuracy. The hair test's longer detection window makes it more reliable, capturing a broader history of substance use. This method substantially improves the accuracy and reliability of results over more traditional testing methods, ensuring more rigorous substance monitoring.
Extended Detection Window
With the ability to uncover drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing gives employers in Pownal, ME, an all-around perspective on substance use. This extended detection window provides a complete assessment of an individual’s drug history, essential for making informed hiring decisions and maintaining a drug-free work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Pownal, ME, the hair follicle testing method minimizes sample tampering risk. This significally boosts the reliability of the test outcomes, granting employers peace of mind. With minimal chances of adulteration, hair tests offer results that are trustworthy and credible, essential for upholding workplace integrity standards.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations
Our nationwide testing centers, including those in Pownal, ME, provide convenient, quick, and hassle-free access to testing services. This extensive network benefits employers by facilitating easy access to testing, ensuring quick detection and monitoring of drug use.
Simple, Confidential Process
The process for obtaining hair follicle tests in Pownal, ME, is straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns. Ordering, taking, and receiving test results is streamlined to ensure ease of use, offering peace of mind with an emphasis on the security of personal information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Accredited Drug Testing in Pownal, ME, offers competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle drug tests. These factors not only provide excellent value for companies of all sizes but also ensure timely insights, helping businesses make efficient and cost-effective decisions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Pownal, ME, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and precision, offering prompt and accurate detection capabilities for substance use. The highly accurate nature of these tests ensures confidence in the results delivered, making it a preferred choice by many employers to ascertain the sobriety and reliability of their workforce.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Pownal, ME, can ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies with hair follicle testing. This method supports legal compliance, decreases potential liabilities, and enhances workplace safety. It extends peace of mind by fostering a secure and compliant work environment through dependable testing results.
