Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Somerville, ME

What it is, How it works

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:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, compared to the shorter detection period of urine tests.
• Hard to manipulate: It is exceedingly challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, ensuring more precise results.
• Offers historical insight: It can outline a pattern of drug use over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect immediate use: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to be traceable in hair.
• Cost: Generally, hair drug tests are pricier than other drug testing procedures.
• Result variability: Variables like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

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

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Somerville, ME

• When comparing hair follicle with urine tests, the accuracy and reliability of hair testing stand out remarkably.

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

Extended Detection Window in Somerville, ME

• Hair follicle testing can trace drug use back as far as 90 days, providing employers with a detailed perspective of an individual’s long-term substance patterns.

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

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Somerville, ME

• One of the key advantages of hair follicle drug testing is its resistance to tampering, ensuring the results are trustworthy and indisputable.

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 Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Somerville, ME

• Our extensive network of testing centers makes accessing services straightforward and efficient for every individual and business in need.

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

Simple, Confidential Process in Somerville, ME

• The process for initiating, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle testing is designed to be effortless and discreet.

Confidentiality is central to our testing approach, ensuring that privacy concerns are addressed and managed to the highest standard.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Somerville, ME

• Our competitive prices, coupled with our rapid result delivery, provide outstanding value without compromising quality.

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

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Somerville, ME

• Hair follicle drug tests offer remarkable precision and swiftness, making them dependable for detecting substance use effectively.

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

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Somerville, ME

• Employers using hair follicle testing can ensure alignment with drug-free workplace policies, lowering legal exposure and raising safety standards.

This commitment to a secure working environment not only protects the business but also enhances employee morale and productivity.

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