Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The analysis of hair has gained recognition as an essential means for discovering drug and alcohol consumption. The composition of hair holds a comprehensive record of alcohol and other substances through the capture of biomarkers within the strands. Collecting samples near the scalp can provide a detection span of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. The procedure for acquiring hair samples is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, containing roughly 200 hair stands (comparable to a #2 pencil), taken closest to the scalp delivers about 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for both verification and analysis. For EtG, additional testing, and/or screenings beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It’s best to determine the specimen’s weight using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, the same amount of body hair is an acceptable substitute. When we speak of head hair, it refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair classifications (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four essential phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is input into a laboratory’s framework. This phase ensures that the sample was properly sealed and transported, allocates a unique Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finishes any additional data entry not already managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary swift check for substance abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to dismiss drug presence in most samples, to be legal in court, any positive screen must undergo confirmation. Every sample that is possibly positive based on Screening requires subsequent confirmation.
In instances where the Screening phase points to a possible positive, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and set for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are effectively retrieved from hair but at significantly lower amounts than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most intricate method to conduct.
Verification of any positive screening is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All supposed positive samples are washed prior to verification when necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair label and the endorsement to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing provides a marked advantage over traditional urine tests in terms of Detection Accuracy and Reliability in Sanford, ME. Unlike urine tests, hair tests offer a far-reaching detection window, making them a preferred choice for a comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug use history.
Extended Detection Window in Sanford, ME illustrates why hair follicle testing stands out among drug screenings. By detecting drug use over a duration of up to 90 days, this method offers employers a complete understanding of an individual's substance use history, enhancing informed decision-making processes.
With the capability to unveil drug use over several months, hair follicle tests provide employers in Sanford, ME, a valuable, extended timeline to assess the drug use behavior of applicants and employees effectively.
The Tamper-Resistant Nature of hair follicle tests makes them an ideal choice in Sanford, ME. This method virtually eradicates the risk of sample adulteration, thereby assuring authentic and reliable results. Hair testing's approach means that the integrity of the test is maintained from collection to analysis.
Employing hair follicle testing reduces possibilities of sample tampering, offering organizations a dependable solution for accurate drug screening outcomes.
Convenient Testing Locations are crucial in Sanford, ME for seamless access to drug testing services. Our centers are part of a broad, nationwide network, ensuring every client can readily find testing facilities wherever they are, ensuring efficiency and convenience.
With testing centers conveniently located nationwide, including in Sanford, ME, accessing drug testing services is quick, simple, and hassle-free, greatly benefiting both employers and individuals aiming for smooth and swift testing experiences.
A Simple, Confidential Process is paramount in Sanford, ME when conducting hair follicle drug tests. We ensure each step, from ordering to obtaining results, is straightforward while upholding the utmost privacy and confidentiality throughout the entire process.
Our drug testing procedures are designed to be easy to navigate and respectful of user privacy, making it an ideal choice for individuals and companies in Sanford, ME requiring a seamless testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround are integral components of our offerings in Sanford, ME. Our competitive pricing and swift processing times ensure that businesses of all sizes gain excellent value in securing reliable drug testing without compromising on quality.
By offering timely results and cost-effective solutions, we meet the diverse needs of companies, providing assurance and peace of mind in every aspect of our service.
Rapid and Precise Detection in Sanford, ME highlights the superior speed and accuracy of hair follicle drug tests. These tests are designed to swiftly and accurately pinpoint substance use, ensuring reliable outcomes that you can count on when precision is crucial.
One striking feature of hair follicle testing is its capability to deliver Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results. In Sanford, ME, this testing methodology shines with its ability to detect illicit substances with high accuracy, offering peace of mind to employers and organizations alike.
Ensuring Compliance and Peace of Mind for employers in Sanford, ME comes effortlessly with hair follicle testing. By aligning with drug-free workplace policies, this testing method aids in mitigating legal risks while also bolstering workplace safety and productivity.
