Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug consumption by ensnaring biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair offers up to an estimated three-month window for detecting alcohol and other substances. It is straightforward to gather, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (akin to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is missing, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. When referencing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. This incorporates confirming that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input not furnished by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for narcotics. Although Screening is an economical way to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to stand as evidence in court. Any samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.
If a sample is tentatively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than alternative methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Any positive screening outcome is confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumption-positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test itself analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Somerville, ME
Hair testing provides a broader detection timeframe, offering a more comprehensive picture of an individual's substance use history, unlike traditional methods that have limited detection windows.
Extended Detection Window in Somerville, ME
This extended window is crucial for understanding an applicant or employee's behavior, aiding in informed decision-making processes for hiring or retention.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Somerville, ME
The observed collection of hair samples minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, unlike some other testing methods, building confidence in the outcomes provided.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Somerville, ME
No matter where you are, our readily available facilities eliminate the hassle of finding a testing site and provide a seamless experience for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Somerville, ME
Confidentiality is central to our testing approach, ensuring that privacy concerns are addressed and managed to the highest standard.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Somerville, ME
This makes our services accessible for businesses of all sizes, ensuring that all clients can benefit from reliable drug testing solutions within their budgetary constraints.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Somerville, ME
Turnaround times are consistently rapid, ensuring that employers or individuals get the results they need without unnecessary delays, which is vital for making timely decisions regarding employment or rehabilitation.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Somerville, ME
This commitment to a secure working environment not only protects the business but also enhances employee morale and productivity.
