Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive history of drug and alcohol use due to biomarkers being encapsulated within the fibers of the developing hair. When taken near the roots, hair can provide a detection window of up to three months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of approximately 200 hairs (similar to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's recommended to weigh the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. The reference to head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Procedure Summary
The primary stages in the laboratory analysis process of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is incorporated into the laboratory’s system. This phase involves verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any additional information not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. Though Screening is a cost-effective measure for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive result from screening must be confirmed for legal validity. Samples that are initially positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
When a sample yields a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair from the initial sample is collected and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are drawn out of the hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging to perform.
If screening results are positive, Confirmation is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptive positive are washed as required before confirmation. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated in accordance with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Pros of hair drug testing:
Disadvantages:
Note: The term “hair follicle test†commonly refers to the analysis of the hair strand, rather than the follicle below the scalp.
In Rangeley, ME, hair follicle tests outshine urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine testing, hair tests provide extensive insight into drug use history, capturing data up to 90 days, whereas urine tests only cover recent consumption, limiting their effectiveness.
With its extended detection window, hair follicle testing in Rangeley, ME, allows employers to gain a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history for up to 90 days. This longer timeframe offers significant advantages for assessing long-term behavior rather than just recent consumption.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Rangeley, ME, reduces the risk of sample adulteration significantly. This method ensures that results are reliable and unquestionable, providing peace of mind to employers and organizations concerned about the integrity of drug test results.
Our convenient nationwide testing locations, including Rangeley, ME, provide quick and hassle-free access to drug testing services. This network ensures that testing is easily accessible, minimizing delays and complications for individuals and employers alike.
In Rangeley, ME, the process for hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results are streamlined to protect privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns individuals may have with clarity and discretion.
Our affordable pricing along with fast turnaround times in Rangeley, ME, offers exceptional value to companies of all sizes. The cost-effective structure and prompt result delivery provide efficiency combined with reliability, enhancing business operations and decision-making.
Hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results in Rangeley, ME, presenting a precise method for detecting substance use. The high accuracy of these tests ensures that individuals cannot dispute the results, providing clarity and confidence to employers and organizations relying on drug testing outcomes.
Employers in Rangeley, ME, can ensure compliance with workplace drug-free policies through hair follicle testing. The method not only reduces legal risks but also enhances workplace safety, offering assurance and peace of mind for organizational leadership and human resources teams.
