Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug tests in Smithfield, Maine. For those needing a hair drug or alcohol screening, we provide specialized hair testing services with centers nationwide capable of performing this type of screening. Generally, a hair length of 1.5 to 2 inches from the head's crown or body can be used. Tests can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be tailored for other testing options.
Over recent years, hair follicle drug testing has surged as a preferred method. Numerous employers, legal systems, and substance abuse experts are now opting for hair tests instead of standard urine ones. Hair follicle tests appeal to employers with stringent non-drug use policies, judiciary systems, and probationary individuals. The standout advantage is its extended detection period for substance use, reaching up to 90 days, collected under supervision, and notoriously hard to rig. Yet, for catching drug use within the past five days, urine tests remain the go-to.
* 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 testing is becoming recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair can record a prolonged history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken from near the scalp, the hair offers a potential detection window of up to around 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is considered the optimal sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg are suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in laboratory processing for a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial integration of a sample into a lab's framework, confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning an LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any further data entry not supported by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for illicit substances. Though Screening is an economical method to disregard drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be substantiated for court use. Samples that test positive during Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex procedure to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are cleansed before confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory sequence, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently called "hair follicle tests," the analysis pertains to the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Testing Outperforms Urine Tests
In Smithfield, ME, hair follicle testing triumphs over urine testing by offering enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. The comprehensive screening method captures a complete substance use picture.
Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide a wider detection window, methodically analyzing usage patterns. This forensic accuracy is key in industries where precision and clarity in drug testing are mandatory for policy adherence.
Extended Detection Window
In Smithfield, ME, hair follicle testing reveals drug use over vast periods, up to 90 days. This prolonged window allows employers insight into an individual’s substance profile, surpassing shorter-term tests.
The significant retention of substances within hair strands provides a rich historical analysis, essential for evaluating recurring or chronic use, offering a more robust understanding of an individual's habits over time.
Tamper-Resistant Assurance
Smithfield's hair follicle testing effectively deters sample tampering, ensuring dependable results. The difficulty to alter hair samples contributes to their credibility and resilience against adulteration.
This testing method's resistance to manipulation makes it a trustworthy choice for organizations demanding unyielding testing integrity, thereby ensuring truthful, accurate results that withstand scrutiny.
Convenient Testing Locations Nationwide
Smithfield residents can access a network of accessible testing centers, ensuring quick and straightforward testing experiences. Our nationwide availability eliminates hassle and allows prompt service.
Seamless access to physical locations ensures testing processes are efficient. With strategically positioned centers, clients can benefit from both local availability and widespread coverage, simplifying access across Smithfield.
Simple and Confidential Processes
In Smithfield, ME, the hair testing procedure is designed for simplicity and discretion. Ordering, undergoing, and receiving results is streamlined, addressing privacy and ease-of-use concerns effectively.
By prioritizing a non-intrusive process delivering reliable confidentiality, individuals are assured their privacy is preserved throughout, making it an appealing option for those valuing discretion and ease.
Affordable and Timely Testing Solutions
Smithfield's hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing backed by quick turnaround times, adding exceptional value for businesses of varying sizes.
Laboratory efficiency ensures results are delivered promptly, meeting budgetary concerns while upholding quality standards. This makes hair testing an attractive route for cost-conscious organizations seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
Fast and Accurate Testing in Smithfield, ME
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for precision and speed. With their ability to reliably identify substance use, these tests deliver rapid and accurate results unparalleled by conventional testing methods.
The superior accuracy of hair testing is due to its method of analysis, offering consistent detection of substances. This ensures trustworthiness and quick feedback, crucial for timely decision-making in staffing and safety.
Peace of Mind for Employers
For Smithfield workplaces, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free regulations, minimizing legal risks and fostering a secure environment. Proper testing reassures policy adherence and safety.
The application of hair tests in workplace settings strengthens monitoring mechanisms, providing a dependable tool for maintaining organizational standards, shielding from potential liabilities associated with substance abuse.
