In Saco, Maine, Accredited Drug Testing provides thorough hair follicle drug testing services. Whether you require a hair drug or alcohol assessment, our centers, located in cities across the country, are ready to conduct hair tests. Typically, you should have between 1.5 and 2 inches of hair available on your head or body for analysis. These tests can trace drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other specific hair testing needs.
Recently, drug testing processes have leaned more towards hair follicle analysis. It's now often the preferred method for employers, courts, and substance abuse experts, who opt for hair-based assessments over the traditional urine tests. Organizations with strict drug policies, judicial bodies, and probation cases favor these tests due to their extended detection capabilities—up to 90 days. However, for detecting recent drug use within five days, urine tests remain the most precise method.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair examinations have gained recognition as an effective means to identify drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers in the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When procured near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a three-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch piece consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp equates to a 100mg hair sample, which is optimal for testing and validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. Referring to head hair indicates scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a specimen into a laboratory’s system. This process verifies proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid examination for substances of abuse. Though cost-efficient to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be verified for court acceptance. Samples that appear positive in Screening require further confirmation.
Should Screening suggest a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening a challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any screening-positive outcomes is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positives undergo washing as necessary. The entire laboratory progression from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Saco, ME, hair follicle testing demonstrates clear advantages over standard urine tests. One significant benefit is the extended detection period hair testing provides, often reaching up to 90 days. Additionally, hair tests offer a higher degree of accuracy and integrity, as they are less susceptible to adulteration. These qualities make them invaluable for employers, legal entities, and rehabilitation professionals.
In Saco, ME, hair follicle testing excels by providing an extended detection window, capturing drug use information for up to 90 days. This longer timeframe allows employers to gain a comprehensive view of an individual’s drug use history. Thus, businesses can make informed hiring decisions and better manage workplace safety, supported by the thoroughness of this testing method.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing makes it a reliable choice in Saco, ME. This method significantly mitigates the risk of sample tampering, ensuring results are indisputable. Compared to other testing methods prone to manipulation, hair testing upholds integrity, offering stakeholders peace of mind about the authenticity and validity of the results obtained.
With convenient testing locations across Saco, ME, and nationwide, accessing hair follicle testing services is straightforward. These centers are strategically established to provide quick and smooth testing experiences for all customers. The accessibility of these facilities underpins the hassle-free nature of acquiring essential testing services without delay.
In Saco, ME, the process of hair follicle drug testing is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the procedure is designed to ensure privacy and ease. Individuals can confidently engage with these testing services, knowing that confidentiality is prioritized every step of the way, alleviating any concerns regarding privacy.
Offering competitive pricing, hair follicle testing in Saco, ME, provides businesses with excellent value. Coupled with fast turnaround times, this service ensures companies of all sizes can economically implement effective drug screening processes. This combination of affordability and rapid results reinforces confidence in their drug testing strategies.
Hair follicle drug tests offer quick and precise results in Saco, ME. Their accuracy in identifying substance use far surpasses many traditional methods. With hair testing, results are not only reliable but also delivered swiftly, ensuring minimal downtime for organizations and individuals. The fine balance of rapid processing with high detection sensitivity makes hair follicle tests an optimal choice.
Hair follicle testing in Saco, ME, offers employers compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks. This testing method supports a safer work environment by detecting substance use over an extended period. By opting for this reliable testing mechanism, employers can maintain policy enforcement while ensuring workforce security and peace of mind.