Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture a historical record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers in their fibers as they grow. Once collected near the scalp, hair can indicate alcohol and drug use over a period of roughly 3 months. Hair is easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample weight. If scalp hair is not available, a corresponding quantity of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in the lab processing of drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning phase involves integrating a sample into the laboratory's system. This includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplemental data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-effective method to exclude drug usage on most samples, any positive screen must be verified to be permissible in legal proceedings. Samples showing presumptive positive results during Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positive results in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are obtained from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is among the most challenging methods to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory approach from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
When considering drug testing options in Smyrna, ME, hair follicle testing is a superior choice over urine testing. The key advantage is its exceptional detection accuracy, providing reliable results over a longer period.
In comparison to urine tests, hair follicle methods offer a remarkable detection window, identifying drug use with greater accuracy. This is particularly valuable for employers aiming for thorough and reliable screening in Smyrna.
Hair follicle testing in Smyrna, ME, offers an extensive detection window, capturing drug use history up to 90 days. This method grants employers a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history.
Unlike traditional tests, hair follicle testing's extended detection period provides a broad overview of drug use, making it a remarkable tool for assessing long-term usage and ensuring informed decisions.
The reliability of hair follicle testing in Smyrna, ME, is evident in its tamper-resistant nature. This method minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, assuring confident and unquestionable test results.
Testing through hair samples provides dependable outcomes, significantly reducing manipulation attempts. In Smyrna, it stands out as a trusted choice for those seeking integrity and accuracy in drug testing.
Accredited Drug Testing's expansive network of testing locations provides convenience in Smyrna, ME. With nationwide and local testing centers, accessing services is effortless and stress-free.
In Smyrna, residents benefit from our comprehensive reach of facilities, making drug testing services readily accessible whenever needed, simplifying the process for individuals and businesses alike.
In Smyrna, ME, hair follicle testing involves a simple and confidential process. From ordering to obtaining results, it prioritizes user privacy and ease of usage.
The process is designed to be straightforward, keeping in mind the importance of confidentiality, making it reassuring for individuals concerned about privacy when taking drug tests in Smyrna.
Smyrna, ME, benefits from Accredited Drug Testing's competitive pricing and rapid turnaround intervals. Our services offer excellent value for companies of any scale, ensuring fast results.
With affordable pricing and quick service, businesses in Smyrna can efficiently manage their testing needs, experiencing swift turnaround without compromise on quality.
In Smyrna, ME, hair follicle drug tests deliver quick and precise outcomes. They offer an impressive level of accuracy when it comes to identifying substance use, ensuring that the results are both fast and trustworthy.
With hair testing, substance detection is not only prompt but equally exact, providing fast results with a reduced chance of error. This makes hair follicle testing a preferred method in Smyrna for its unmatched accuracy.
Employers in Smyrna, ME, find peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, offering a safeguard against legal challenges.
Implementing hair follicle testing practices enhances workplace security and ensures compliance, providing employers with confidence and maintaining a safe environment in Smyrna.
